vindictive
Say it: vin-DIK-tiv /vɪnˈdɪktɪv/ · adjective
What “vindictive” means
Wanting to hurt or punish someone to get revenge.
More precisely: Having a strong or unreasonable desire for revenge.
Example: “After the breakup, he got vindictive and unfollowed all her friends.”
When to use it
A strongly disapproving word for someone who holds a grudge and tries to make another person suffer in return.
Similar words
vengeful, spiteful, resentful
Where it comes from
From Latin vindicta, 'vengeance'.
Quick check
After losing a friendly contest, a player hides the winner's equipment just to spoil their next game. That behaviour is…
competitive or vindictive?
Show the answer
vindictive
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