vindictive in American English 1. revengeful in spirit; inclined to seek vengeance. 2. said or done in revenge; characterized by vengeance. vindictive punishment.

What is an example of being vindictive?

Having a tendency to seek revenge when wronged. The definition of vindictive is someone who is out for revenge. An example of vindictive is a person who writes down every mean thing ever said to her in a notebook so she can get back at the people who were unkind.

What does it mean when a person is vindictive?

revenge 1a : disposed to seek revenge : vengeful. b : intended for or involving revenge. 2 : intended to cause anguish or hurt : spiteful. Other Words from vindictive Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About vindictive.

What do you call someone who seeks revenge?

Revengeful is used to describe someone who is determined to get revenge—retaliation against or punishment of someone for some kind of harm that they caused or wrongdoing that they did (whether real or perceived). Revengeful also means inclined to seek revenge. The adjective vindictive is a close synonym.

What are vindictive struggles?

(vɪndɪktɪv ) adjective. If you say that someone is vindictive, you are critical of them because they deliberately try to upset or cause trouble for someone who they think has done them harm.

What are vindictive people like?

A person described as vindictive is usually someone who holds a grudge and who always tries to get back at people who they think have wronged them in some way. Vindictive people retaliate against others for any insult or perceived slight. Vindictive people do not let things go.

What makes a person want revenge?

People are motivated to seek revenge — to harm someone who has harmed them — when they feel attacked, mistreated or socially rejected. Getting an eye for an eye, Old Testament-style, is thought to bring a sense of catharsis and closure. In modern life, betrayal and social rejection hurt.

What makes someone vengeful?

People who are more vengeful tend to be those who are motivated by power, by authority and by the desire for status, he says. He found that the students whose answers showed a deference to authority and respect for traditions and social dominance, had the most favorable opinions about revenge and retribution.

What is spiteful behavior?

When youre spiteful, you act in a mean way, with a desire to hurt someone. If you act or speak with the desire to hurt, bother, or infuriate someone, you are being spiteful.

What causes a person to seek revenge?

People are motivated to seek revenge — to harm someone who has harmed them — when they feel attacked, mistreated or socially rejected. Getting an eye for an eye, Old Testament-style, is thought to bring a sense of catharsis and closure.

Are Narcissists vindictive?

Vindictive narcissists generally know vengeful or antisocial behavior isnt acceptable. But they feel OK about acting that way because they constantly feel theyve been wronged, Burgo said.

What is the difference between spiteful and vindictive?

As adjectives the difference between vindictive and spiteful is that vindictive is having a tendency to seek revenge when , vengeful while spiteful is filled with, or showing, spite; having a desire to vex, annoy, or injure; malignant; malicious.

Is it OK to be vindictive?

Can a person with NPD be vindictive? Yes. However, vindictiveness isnt an official symptom of the disorder, nor is it exclusive of people living with mental health conditions. Only a mental health professional can accurately diagnose narcissistic personality.

What causes a person to be spiteful?

Spiteful behaviour is motivated by being hurt. When someone says something with malicious intent to hurt, to get their point across, theyre being spiteful. That person wont think about the other persons reasoning behind why they say what they say, instead they will simply lash out.

Why you should not seek revenge?

1. It wont make you feel better. Sadly, evidence shows that people who seek revenge instead of forgiving or letting go, tend to feel worse in the long run. You are much better off channelling your energy into moving forward positively with your life.