Dictionary entry

Vindictive

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Vin‐dic″tive (?), a. [For vindicative, confused with L. vindicta revenge, punishment, fr. vindicare to vindicate. Cf. Vindicative.] 1. Disposed to revenge; prompted or characterized by revenge; revengeful.

I am vindictive enough to repel force by force. Dryden.

2. Punitive.

Vindictive damages. (Law) See under Damage, n.

— Vin‐dic″tive‐ly, adv. — Vin‐dic″tive‐ness, n.