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

Other Word Forms

• vindictively adverb
• vindictiveness noun
• unvindictive adjective
• unvindictively 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

The goal of these safeguards, Lin observed, is to protect grant recipients from “‘vindictive’ or ‘punitive’” actions by the government.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“The defense argues that, if there was ever a case with a whole series of boxes you’d check off for selective or vindictive prosecution, this would be it,” said Paul Grimm, a retired federal judge.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Last week, James requested the case be dismissed on the basis of vindictive prosecution.

Read more on Salon

James' attorneys also are filing a motion to dismiss the case on the grounds that it is "vindictive".

Read more on BBC

There are two things working in Bolton’s favor: First, he has the makings of a solid motion to dismiss for selective and vindictive prosecution.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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

When To Use

What does vindictive mean?

Vindictive is usually used to describe someone who’s known for frequently seeking revenge. It can also be used to describe the vengeful actions of such a person.A person described as vindictive is usually someone who holds a grudge and who always tries to get back at people who they think have wronged them in some way. Vindictive people retaliate against others for any insult or perceived slight. Vindictive people do not let things go.The word is always used negatively to imply criticism of such people or actions.Example: I’ve never seen someone so vindictive—he’s obsessed with getting back at everyone who has ever slighted him, even when it happened years ago.