Vengefulnesses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The qualities or states of being disposed to seek retribution or punishment for a perceived wrong ; the tendencies to harbor spiteful or resentful feelings coupled with desires for retaliation ; the manifestations of vindictive attitudes characterized by wishing harm or justice to befall an offender
2. Attributes involving a strong inclination to avenge injuries or insults ; sentiments marked by bitterness and intent to exact punishment or satisfy resentment ; behavioral patterns that express grudge-bearing and efforts to retaliate against perceived offenses
3. Conditions defined by impulses to impose penalties or revenge for injury ; emotional states of hostility linked with aims to reciprocate harm or hurt ; psychological traits that drive acts of reprisal or retaliation against those causing grievance

Etymology: "Vengefulnesses" is the plural of "vengefulness," the noun for the quality of being vengeful, and it is formed from the adjective "vengeful" plus the suffix "-ness." "Vengeful" was built on "vengeance," which entered English from Old French "vengeance," itself from "vengier" (to avenge), ultimately from Latin "vindicare," the same root that gives "vindicate." Because "vengeance" and "vindicate" share a root, the words that describe punishing a wrong and the words that describe clearing one's name are close cousins. "Vengefulness" is a plain English formation: an adjective with the suffix "-ness," which turns a quality into a noun. Its plural, "vengefulnesses," is the form of that noun counted as separate instances, as when one speaks of several distinct urges for revenge. The base word "vengeful" has no surprising history of its own; its meaning has stayed close to "inclined to take revenge" throughout its use.

Synonyms: revengefulness, vindictiveness, resentfulness, spitefulness, rancor

Antonyms: forgiveness, leniency, mercy, compassion, tolerance