vindictive
vin-DIK-tiv
/vɪnˈdɪktɪv/
Having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.
Describes a personality trait or a specific attitude; it implies the revenge is petty or excessive.
The story behind the word. The Latin 'vindicta' referred to the staff used by a magistrate to touch a slave when freeing them, but it also meant 'vengeance' or 'punishment'. Over time, the 'punishment' meaning took over the English adjective.
Word relationships
- spiteful: Focuses more on the desire to annoy or hurt in small ways.
- vengeful: Focuses more on the active pursuit of a major 'payback'.
- magnanimous: Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival.
- benevolent: Well-meaning and kindly.
Commonly confused with
- vengeful: 'Vengeful' is the desire for revenge; 'vindictive' is the character trait of being prone to that desire, often in a petty way.
Word family
- vindictiveness (noun): The quality of being vindictive.
- vindictively (adverb): In a manner showing a desire for revenge.
Collocations
- vindictive streak
- vindictive nature
- vindictive gossip
Example sentences
- "The manager's vindictive behavior included giving the employee the worst shifts after they complained." Workplace conflict
- "The judge warned that the law should not be used as a tool for vindictive litigation." Legal context
Memory hook
A 'vindictive' person wants to 'win' by being 'addictive' to revenge. Petty and punishing.
When not to use
Do not use for a fair or legally mandated punishment.
Fun facts
- In Roman law, 'vindicta' was a specific legal action to claim something that was yours.
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