definitions

vindictive

[ vin-dik-tiv ]
/ vɪnˈdɪk tɪv /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR vindictive 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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RELATED WORDS

brutally, cruelly, maliciously, ruthlessly, venomously

Nearby words

vindhya range, vindicable, vindicate, vindication, vindicatory, vindictive, vine, vine cactus, vine maple, vine snake, vineal

Origin of vindictive

1610–20; < Latin vindict(a) vengeance + -ive

Related forms

Can be confused

vindicatory vindictive
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for vindictively

British Dictionary definitions for vindictively

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

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