Vindictive – Definition, Meaning and Synonyms

Definition of Vindictive (adjective)

Vindictive is an adjective to describe someone who has a strong desire for revenge. It suggests a tendency to seek out punishment or retribution, often motivated by a sense of personal injury or offence.

Examples

• Her vindictive behaviour caused a lot of trouble.
• He took a vindictive approach to settle the score.
• The vindictive ex-boyfriend spread rumours about her.
• She held a vindictive grudge against her former boss.
• The vindictive remarks were meant to hurt his feelings.
• His vindictive nature made him enemies at work.
• She made a vindictive decision to ruin his reputation.
• His vindictive act destroyed their friendship forever.

Meaning

• Revengeful
• Spiteful
• Resentful

Pronunciation

• UK: /vɪnˈdɪktɪv/ (vin-DIK-tiv)
• US: /vɪnˈdɪktɪv/ (vin-DIK-tiv)

Synonyms

• Revengeful
• Spiteful
• Malicious
• Resentful
• Vengeful
• Hostile
• Mean-spirited
• Cruel
• Unforgiving
• Antagonistic

Usage Tips for Vindictive

• Use to describe a person with a desire for revenge.
• Avoid using it for neutral or non-hostile situations.
• It often suggests personal hurt or offence motivates the actions.
• Best used when describing actions or behaviour intended to harm.
• It can describe both emotional and physical retaliation.

Origin

Vindictive (1600-1700):

It is derived from the Latin vindicta, which means revenge or punishment.

Similar Words to Vindictive

• Spiteful
• Vengeful
• Revengeful
• Malicious
• Hostile
• Cruel
• Resentful
• Antagonistic
• Unforgiving

FAQs

Q: What is the meaning of vindictive in Urdu?

Ans: In Urdu, vindictive means انتقامی or انتقام پسند.

Q: How do we use vindictive in a sentence?

Ans: His vindictive actions led to a long-lasting feud between them.

Q: What’s the difference between vindictive and vengeful?

Ans: Vindictiveness often implies a more calculated or spiteful approach.