despiteful

American  

[dih-spahyt-fuhl] / dɪˈspaɪt fəl /

adjective

1. malicious; spiteful.

2. Obsolete. contemptuous; insolent.

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despiteful British  

/ dɪˈspɪtɪəs, dɪˈspaɪtfʊl /

adjective

1. an archaic word for spiteful

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Other Word Forms

• despitefully adverb
• despitefulness noun

Etymology

Origin of despiteful

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

Example Sentences

But then brust forth the venome which before lurked; then might they not conteine their despiteful voices, but with open mouthes did crie: we will not haue suche a one to reigne ouer vs.

From The First Blast of the Trumpet against the monstrous regiment of Women by Arber, Edward

It is in the very nature of poetical justice that it satisfies the emotions, and I was not displeased to see affairs take this sudden turn, to view the hard and despiteful heart thus humbled.

From Schwartz: A History From "Schwartz" by David Christie Murray by Murray, David Christie

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

From John Knox by Taylor, William M. (William Mackergo)

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.

From A Wonder Book and Tanglewood Tales For girls and boys by Hawthorne, Nathaniel

Were His enemies never so many, and never so despiteful against Him, yet He sall rule in the midst of them.

From The Covenants And The Covenanters Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation by Kerr, James