vindictive

[ vin-dik-tiv ]
/ vɪnˈdɪk tɪv /

adjective

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

Origin of vindictive

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

OTHER WORDS FROM vindictive

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH vindictive

vindicatory vindictive

Example sentences from the Web for vindictive

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, adverb vindictiveness, noun

Word Origin for vindictive

C17: from Latin vindicta revenge, from vindicāre to vindicate