vindictive
Having or showing a strong desire for revenge
Examples
In a meeting
“The manager's vindictive behavior after the complaint created a toxic environment.”
Over coffee
“She's being vindictive by spreading rumors about her ex.”
Why this word
vengeful
Vindictive emphasizes spiteful, petty desire to harm; vengeful is broader desire for payback that may feel justified
spiteful
Spiteful is general meanness; vindictive specifically involves calculated retaliation for perceived wrongs
resentful
Resentful is passive bitter feeling; vindictive adds active desire to punish or harm in return
Usage tip
Use to describe revenge-driven behavior. Strong word that suggests pettiness and disproportionate retaliation. Use carefully as it's quite accusatory.
Etymology
Latin 'vindicta' (vengeance, revenge)
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Related words
apprehensive
Anxious or worried about something that may happen in the future
evoke
To bring a feeling, memory, or image into the mind
resent
To feel bitterness or indignation toward something or someone
placate
To make someone less angry or hostile through appeasement
demoralize
To cause someone to lose confidence or hope
endear
To cause to be loved or liked