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

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

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

He then set up his counter-challenge, and in one hour afterwards Johnson arrogantly accepted it, “in a most despiteful and disgraceful manner.”

From Project Gutenberg