subdict-logo

spite

Definition

  • noun: a desire to harm, anger, or defeat another person especially because you feel that you have been treated wrongly in some way
  • noun: petty ill will or hatred with the disposition to irritate, annoy, or thwart
  • verb: to deliberately annoy, upset, or hurt (someone)
  • verb: to fill with spite
  • synonyms: annoy, grudge, malevolence

Examples

  • She tried to 'put on a brave face' [=she tried to appear brave or calm] despite the pain of the injury.

  • You can refuse to talk to her if you like, but you're just 'cutting off your nose to spite your face'.

  • They made it on time 'in spite of the fact' that they got a flat tire.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) that you know aught of me. Swear So gentlemen, with all my love I do commend me to you, and still your fingers on your lips. I pray The time is out of joint. Oh cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it fight How now, Ophelia, what's the matter? - Alas, my lord, I have been so affrighted (..)
    2015 Hamlet