despiteful

[dih-spahyt-fuhl]

adjective

1. malicious; spiteful.

2. Obsolete.,  contemptuous; insolent.

despiteful

/ dɪˈspɪtɪəs, dɪˈspaɪtfʊl /

adjective

1. an archaic word for spiteful

Other Word Forms

• despitefully adverb
• despitefulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of despiteful¹

1400–50; late Middle English. See despite, -ful

Example Sentences

From this their punishment, the heathens, who turned every thing into mockery, gave all Christians the despiteful name of Sarmentitii and Semaxii*.

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If Hor or Horus was the sun at his height, he too had suffered despiteful usage from his enemies.

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But when Theseus heard the story, he straightened himself up, so that he seemed taller than ever before; and as for his face, it was indignant, despiteful, bold, tender, and compassionate, all in one look.

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"Heard you ever, my lords, a more despiteful and treasonable letter?"

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Alas!" cried the king, "that you should ask me so despiteful a boon.

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