adj
vindictive
vihn-DIHK-tihv
adj
1
Wanting revenge; inclined to punish or hurt someone who has wronged you.
"Her ex turned vindictive after the breakup, spreading rumours about her at work."
"The manager's vindictive streak made staff afraid to raise complaints."
How to Use Vindictive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWanting to get back at someone — spiteful and out for revenge.
Common pairings
a vindictive person
vindictive behaviour
feel vindictive
Word Forms
more vindictive comparative, most vindictive superlative
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Her ex turned _____ after the breakup, spreading rumours about her at work.
Etymology
From Latin vindicta, "vengeance," plus the adjective ending -ive.