despiteful

American  

[dih-spahyt-fuhl] / dɪˈspaɪt fəl /

adjective

1. malicious; spiteful.

2. Obsolete. contemptuous; insolent.

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despiteful British  

/ dɪˈspɪtɪəs, dɪˈspaɪtfʊl /

adjective

1. an archaic word for spiteful

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Other Word Forms

• despitefully adverb
• despitefulness noun

Etymology

Origin of despiteful

1400–50; late Middle English. See despite, -ful

Example Sentences

Driven by despiteful wrong she takes her seat, In lowly grief, at Jove's eternal feet.

From Mosaics of Grecian History by Willson, Marcius

But when Theseus heard the story, he straightened himself up, so that he seemed taller than ever before; and as for his face, it was indignant, despiteful, bold, tender, and compassionate, all in one look.

From A Wonder Book and Tanglewood Tales For girls and boys by Hawthorne, Nathaniel

Thus far I had choked down my swelling rage at her faithlessness, her vanity, her despiteful entreatment of my master's plight.

From Helmet of Navarre by Runkle, Bertha

Prime youth lasts not, age will follow And make white those tresses yellow; Wrinkled face, for looks delightful, Shall acquaint the dame despiteful.

From Lyrics from the Song-Books of the Elizabethan Age by Bullen, A. H. (Arthur Henry)

It was a habit of mind—the only revenge that I could take upon despiteful Fate.

From The Inheritors by Conrad, Joseph