vindictive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
    vengeful; revengeful.
    • more vindictive than jealous love"- Shakespeare
    • punishments...essentially vindictive in their nature"- M.R.Cohen
  2. adjective satellite showing malicious ill will and a desire to hurt; motivated by spite
    despiteful; spiteful.
    • a despiteful fiend
    • a truly spiteful child
    • a vindictive man will look for occasions for resentment

WordNet

Vin*dic"tive adjective
Etymology
For vindicative, confused with L. vindicta revenge, punishment, fr. vindicare to vindicate. Cf. Vindicative.
Definitions
  1. Disposed to revenge; prompted or characterized by revenge; revengeful.
    I am vindictive enough to repel force by force. Dryden.
  2. Punitive. Obs. -- Vin*dic"tive*ly, adv. -- Vin*dic"tive*ness, n.

Webster 1913