Vindictiveness

Vindictiveness is the strong and unyielding desire for revenge or retribution. It's the inclination to seek out and inflict punishment or harm on those perceived to have caused injury or wrong. This disposition is often fueled by feelings of anger, resentment, and a sense of injustice, causing a person to dwell on past grievances and seek to settle the score. vindictiveness typically involves a calculated and prolonged effort to cause suffering, rather than a spontaneous act of anger. It differs from healthy anger which encourages action to create change, and focuses instead on the satisfaction gained from the target's misfortune.

Vindictiveness meaning with examples

• The politician's vindictiveness was evident in his constant attacks on his opponents, even long after the initial disagreements. He used every opportunity to discredit them and undermine their work, clearly motivated by a desire for payback. This unrelenting pursuit of revenge created a hostile environment, hampering any potential for compromise and cooperation and eroding the public's trust in the political process.
• After the betrayal by his business partner, the man displayed a chilling vindictiveness. He actively worked to sabotage the partner's future ventures, spreading rumors and damaging their reputation. He seemed to take pleasure in the other person's downfall, focusing all his energy on ensuring their failure rather than building his own success, revealing a deep-seated bitterness.
• Her vindictiveness manifested in passive-aggressive behavior toward her colleague who had received the promotion she desired. Rather than confronting the situation directly, she engaged in subtle acts of sabotage, withholding information and making backhanded comments. This constant undermining created a toxic workplace environment and caused significant stress for the targeted individual, fuelled by petty jealousy.
• The historical account revealed the vindictiveness of the conquering army, who systematically destroyed cities and inflicted cruel punishments on the defeated populace. Their actions went far beyond the necessities of war, motivated by a desire to humiliate and inflict lasting suffering. This brutal behavior created a lasting legacy of resentment and trauma, preventing any possibility of future reconciliation.