spite

Definition

Ill will or hatred toward another, accompanied with the desire to unjustifiably irritate, annoy, or thwart; a want to disturb or put out another; mild malice

Etymology

From Middle English spit, a shortening of despit (whence despite), from Old French despit, from Latin dēspectum (“looking down on”), from Latin dēspiciō (“to look down, despise”). Compare also Dutch spijt and German Spiet.

Example Sentences

• "He was so filled with spite for his ex-wife, his brother was afraid of what he might do."
• "They did it just for spite."
• "This is the deadly spite that angers."