English vocabulary · C2
Vindictive
/vɪnˈdɪktɪv/ · adj.
A vindictive person wants to hurt you for what you did to them. They keep that hurt in mind and plan to make you feel the same pain.
Watch the Vindictive lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- My vindictive boss cut my pay.
- She tore my coat to be vindictive.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- vindicta — revenge (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- VENGEFUL — wants to hurt back (Wants to hurt back)
- SPITEFUL — tries to cause hurt (Wants to upset you)
- CRUEL — causes pain without care (No care for pain)
Similar words
- vengeful
- spiteful
- cruel
- malicious
- unforgiving
Lesson notes
A vindictive person wants to hurt you for what you did to them. They keep that hurt in mind and plan to make you feel the same pain.
Related: vengeful, spiteful, cruel. Use vindictive when you want revenge.
My vindictive boss cut my pay. She tore my coat to be vindictive.
From Latin. vindicta- means revenge. Revenge after hurt: a vindictive friend shuts the door on you.