despiteful

[ dih-spahyt-fuhl ]

adjective

1. malicious; spiteful.
2. Obsolete. contemptuous; insolent.

despiteful

/ dɪˈspɪtɪəs; dɪˈspaɪtfʊl /

adjective

1. an archaic word for spiteful

Derived Forms

• deˈspitefully, adverb
• deˈspitefulness, noun

Other Words From

• de·spiteful·ly adverb
• de·spiteful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of despiteful¹

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

Example Sentences

Further, as a Castilian gentleman, do you agree with the author’s most despiteful entreatment of that sweet sex for whose sake all romances were written?

From Project Gutenberg

From this their punishment, the heathens, who turned every thing into mockery, gave all Christians the despiteful name of Sarmentitii and Semaxii*.

From Project Gutenberg

If Hor or Horus was the sun at his height, he too had suffered despiteful usage from his enemies.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

"Heard you ever, my lords, a more despiteful and treasonable letter?"

From Project Gutenberg