Spiteful, revengeful, vindictive refer to a desire to inflict a wrong or injury on someone, usually in return for one received. Spiteful implies a mean or malicious desire for (often petty) revenge: a spiteful attitude toward a former friend.

What does spiteful person mean?

English Language Learners Definition of spiteful

: having or showing a desire to harm, anger, or defeat someone : having or showing spite. See the full definition for spiteful in the English Language Learners Dictionary. spiteful. adjective.

What does vindictive person mean?

Full Definition of vindictive

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 is an example of being spiteful?

When you're spiteful, you act in a mean way, with a desire to hurt someone. If your little brother was driving you crazy, you could calmly ignore him — or you could give him a spiteful pinch. If you act or speak with the desire to hurt, bother, or infuriate someone, you are being spiteful.

Is vindictive and spiteful the same thing?

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.

10 Signs of Vindictive Narcissism

43 related questions found

How do you deal with a vindictive person?

Coping with vindictiveness in your relationship

1. Set boundaries. ...
2. Vocalize your terms or boundaries. ...
3. Don't second-guess yourself. ...
4. Try not to internalize. ...
5. Shelter from their anger. ...
6. Develop a safety plan. ...
7. Consider asking for help. ...
8. Suggest they seek help.

Is being spiteful a bad thing?

And why are some of us more spiteful than others? Being aggressive and lacking empathy might have a lot to do with it, researchers say. "Spite can become very destructive," says David Marcus, a psychologist at Washington State University and the lead author of a study published in the journal Psychological Assessment.

What is a spiteful woman?

adj full of or motivated by spite; vindictive.

How do you deal with being spiteful?

Even if you're respectful when you address the situation, a spiteful person may not back down. If the other person remains hostile or negative, you need to be the bigger person. Do not resort to any negative tactics the person uses, such as yelling or name calling. Instead, remain calm and walk away if necessary.

What is the meaning of vengeful person?

English Language Learners Definition of vengeful

: feeling or showing a desire to harm someone who has harmed you : feeling or showing a desire for vengeance. See the full definition for vengeful in the English Language Learners Dictionary. vengeful. adjective. venge·​ful | \ ˈvenj-fəl \

Are Narcissists vindictive?

"Vindictive" narcissists generally know vengeful or antisocial behavior isn't acceptable. But they feel OK about acting that way because they constantly feel they've been wronged, Burgo said.

What is the revengeful person called?

A vengeful person is out for revenge. ... The word vengeful is used to describe the feelings of revenge someone has toward another person or group who has done them wrong in the past.

What is vindictive punishment?

Having a tendency to seek revenge when wronged. ... Said or done in revenge; characterized by vengeance. Vindictive punishment.

What causes spiteful behavior?

Spiteful behaviour is motivated by being hurt. When someone says something with malicious intent to hurt, to get their point across, they're being spiteful. That person won't think about the other person's reasoning behind why they say what they say, instead they will simply lash out.

What does it mean to do things out of spite?

If you do something cruel out of spite, you do it because you want to hurt or upset someone. I refused her a divorce, out of spite I suppose. Synonyms: malice, malevolence, ill will, hate More Synonyms of spite.

Can dogs be spiteful?

Most dog behaviors that could be labeled as spiteful or vindictive simply have roots in boredom, anxiety, or nervousness. ... It's important to remember your dog isn't doing these things because they are angry or trying to get back at you.

Why am I getting angry at little things?

Common triggers for anger may include injustice, stress, financial issues, family or personal problems, traumatic events, or feeling unheard or undervalued. Sometimes, physiological processes, such as hunger, chronic pain, fear, or panic can also provoke anger for no apparent reason.

How do I stop getting angry?

Start by considering these 10 anger management tips.

1. Think before you speak. ...
2. Once you're calm, express your anger. ...
3. Get some exercise. ...
4. Take a timeout. ...
5. Identify possible solutions. ...
6. Stick with 'I' statements. ...
7. Don't hold a grudge. ...
8. Use humor to release tension.

How do you let go of anger in the past?

Tips for letting go

1. Create a positive mantra to counter the painful thoughts. ...
2. Create physical distance. ...
3. Do your own work. ...
4. Practice mindfulness. ...
5. Be gentle with yourself. ...
6. Allow the negative emotions to flow. ...
7. Accept that the other person may not apologize. ...
8. Engage in self-care.

How do you deal with a spiteful child?

8 Strategies for Dealing with a Defiant Child

1. Hold your child accountable.
2. Choose your battles.
3. Act, don't react.
4. Enforce age-appropriate consequences.
5. Keep your power.
6. No second chances or bargaining.
7. Always build on the positive.
8. Set regular times to talk to your child.

Is spite an emotion?

Spite is one of the most negative emotions. It ranges from the ruthless, malicious, and enormously destructive, to the trivial and seemingly harmless. Yet all spiteful acts seem to lack rational justification and to be preoccupied solely with the intent to harm—even at the risk of harm to oneself.

What does arrogance mean?

1 : exaggerating or disposed to exaggerate one's own worth or importance often by an overbearing manner an arrogant official. 2 : showing an offensive attitude of superiority : proceeding from or characterized by arrogance an arrogant reply.

What type of people are spiteful?

Researchers found the personality traits that were associated with spitefulness included: "aggression, psychopathy, Machiavellian-ism, narcissism, and guilt-free shame," while the personality traits that were associated with opposite of spitefulness included: "self-esteem, guilt-proneness, agreeableness, and ...

How do I stop being a vengeful person?

How do you stop vindictive behavior?

1. Set boundaries.
2. Vocalize your terms or boundaries.
3. Don't second-guess yourself.
4. Try not to internalize.
5. Shelter from their anger.
6. Develop a safety plan.
7. Consider asking for help.
8. Suggest they seek help.

How would you describe a toxic person?

A toxic person is anyone whose behavior adds negativity and upset to your life. ... You always have to defend yourself to this person. You never feel fully comfortable around them. You continually feel bad about yourself in their presence.