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vindictive

[ vin-dik-tiv ]
/ vɪnˈdɪk tɪv /
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See synonyms for: vindictive / vindictively / vindictiveness on Thesaurus.com

adjective
disposed or inclined to revenge; vengeful: a vindictive person.
proceeding from or showing a revengeful spirit: vindictive rumors.
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Origin of vindictive

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

synonym study for vindictive

1. See spiteful.

OTHER WORDS FROM vindictive

vin·dic·tive·ly, adverbvin·dic·tive·ness, nounun·vin·dic·tive, adjectiveun·vin·dic·tive·ly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH vindictive

vindicatory, vindictive
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use vindictive in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for vindictive

vindictive
/ (vɪnˈdɪktɪv) /

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

Derived forms of vindictive

vindictively, adverbvindictiveness, noun

Word Origin for vindictive

C17: from Latin vindicta revenge, from vindicāre to vindicate
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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