vindictiveness
/vɪnˈdɪktɪvnəs/ (bre, ipa) · [vɪndˈɪktɪvnəs] /vɪnˈdɪktɪvnəs/ (ame, ipa) · [vɪndˈɪktɪvnəs] /-tivnə̇s, -tēv also -təv-/ (ame, mw)
vindictiveness — noun
1. a strong wish to get back at someone by hurting them after they have hurt you
a strong wish to get back at someone by hurting them after they have hurt you
Dario's vindictiveness kept the argument alive for months.
possessive subject naming the motive
After the court case, Lara feared the mayor's vindictiveness.
The film shows how vindictiveness can destroy an entire family.
Nia posted cruel messages after the breakup out of vindictiveness.
Rohan's vindictiveness kept him from accepting a sincere apology.
- vengefulness
a more general desire to take revenge
- spite
often suggests meaner or smaller acts
- malice
broader ill will, not always caused by an injury
- forgiveness
letting go of the wish to get even
- mercy
kindness instead of punishment
用法筆記
Often appears after a possessive or with phrases like out of vindictiveness to show revenge as a motive, not just one act.