Revengeful

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈvɛnd͡ʒfʊl/

Definitions

1. Characterized by a strong desire to inflict harm or punishment in response to a perceived wrong or injury
2. Seeking to inflict retribution or harm upon those perceived to have wronged one
3. Motivated by a desire to retaliate against those who have caused injury or offense

Etymology: "Revengeful" is a straightforward compound: the noun "revenge" with the suffix "-ful," which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "full of" or "characterised by" that noun. So a revengeful person is one full of revenge, someone whose mind is set on paying back a wrong. The older noun "revenge" came into English from Old French "revenger," meaning to avenge, and it ultimately traces to Latin roots meaning to take back or punish. The "-ful" ending, from Old English "full," has been used this way for centuries to form adjectives like "hopeful," "spiteful," and "fearful," so "revengeful" follows a well-worn pattern rather than a special coinage.

Synonyms: vengeful, spiteful, malicious, vindictive, retaliatory

Antonyms: forgiving, merciful, compassionate, lenient, benevolent