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Added 9 October 2026

vindictive

/vɪnˈdɪk.tɪv/ adjective

Latin root: vindicta Wiktionary

adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about vindictive at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge.
more vindictive than jealous love
Showing malicious ill will and a desire to hurt; motivated by spite.
a despiteful fiend

Origin

From Latin vindicta (“vengeance”) + -ive. Contrast Latin vindicātīvus.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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