vindictive

[ vin-dik-tiv ]

adjective

1. disposed or inclined to revenge; vengeful:

   a vindictive person.

   Synonyms: unforgiving

   Antonyms: forgiving

2. proceeding from or showing a revengeful spirit:

   vindictive rumors.

vindictive

/ vɪnˈdɪktɪv /

adjective

1. disposed to seek vengeance
2. characterized by spite or rancour
3. English law (of damages) in excess of the compensation due to the plaintiff and imposed in punishment of the defendant

Derived Forms

• vinˈdictively, adverb
• vinˈdictiveness, noun

Other Words From

• vin·dic·tive·ly adverb
• vin·dic·tive·ness noun
• un·vin·dic·tive adjective
• un·vin·dic·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of vindictive¹

First recorded in 1610–20; from Latin vindict(a) “vengeance” + -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of vindictive¹

C17: from Latin vindicta revenge, from vindicāre to vindicate

Synonym Study

See spiteful.

Example Sentences

Preening, arrogant, vindictive, and inexorable; awash with cash; corrupt; in bed with corporate America and big finance.

From The Daily Beast

A lady developer was harassed by her vindictive ex-boyfriend.

From The Daily Beast

The double standard of sexualization is hypocritical at best and ineffectively vindictive at worse.

From The Daily Beast

Ever had a petty and vindictive boss, competent only at deflecting blame for his own shortcomings?

From The Daily Beast

One person who could feel vindictive toward Greig, but does not, is Teresa Stanley.

From The Daily Beast

Felton retired from the service with the rank of lieutenant, disgusted and vindictive at having juniors promoted over his head.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes, it is vindictive, I know; one does not grow tender towards the enemy at the grave of Ellen Jervis.

From Project Gutenberg

What other passion than frenzied pride can render men so ferocious, so vindictive, so devoid of toleration and gentleness?

From Project Gutenberg

And I wont have to kill an uncle to do it, either, he added, with a vindictive glance at OLeary as he left the room.

From Project Gutenberg

To master with more certainty her understanding, they would render her austere, intolerant, and vindictive.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cruel
• malicious
• merciless
• resentful
• retaliatory
• ruthless
• spiteful
• unforgiving
• vengeful