Vindictivenesses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality of being inclined to seek revenge or retribution against those perceived as having wronged one
2. A propensity for holding grudges and desiring to punish others in response to perceived injustices
3. The state of exhibiting spiteful behavior characterized by a desire to inflict harm or discomfort on others due to personal grievances

Etymology: "Vindictivenesses" is the plural of "vindictiveness," which is a plain formation: the adjective "vindictive" with the suffix "-ness," which turns an adjective into a noun for a quality or state. The plural form counts separate instances of that quality, so it refers to individual acts or displays of spite rather than the abstract trait alone. "Vindictive" itself comes from "vindicte," the Old French and Latin-derived root meaning revenge or punishment, linked to the Latin "vindicta," which carried the sense of vengeance. The adjective therefore began with the idea of avenging or punishing a wrong, and the modern sense of spiteful, grudge-driven harm grew out of that notion of retaliation.

Synonyms: spites, resentments, vengefulnesses, revengefulnesses, bitternesses

Antonyms: forgivenesses, mercies, compassionates, kindnesses, leniencies