revengefulness

revengefulness

A person's revengefulness can poison their own happiness.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The quality of being vengeful: "Revengefulness" refers to a strong, persistent desire to retaliate against someone who has caused harm or injury. It is the state or trait of harboring intentions to exact punishment or payback.
Usage Examples
  • (Her strong desire for retaliation was clear.)
  • (The book examines how a vengeful attitude harms connections between people.)
  • (His obsession with getting even dominated his thoughts.)
Advanced Usage
  • "a spirit of revengefulness": an attitude or mindset focused on retribution.

    • The conflict was fueled by a spirit of revengefulness on both sides. (Both groups were motivated by a desire for retaliation.)
  • "revengefulness as a character flaw": in literature or psychology, revengefulness is often depicted as a negative trait that leads to personal ruin.

    • Shakespeare's characters often suffer from revengefulness, which leads to tragic outcomes. (The desire for revenge causes their downfall.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Revengeful (adj): feeling or showing a strong desire for revenge.

    • The revengeful look in his eyes made everyone uneasy. (His expression showed he wanted to get even.)
  • Revenge (n/v): the act of inflicting harm in return for a wrong; to retaliate.

    • He sought revenge for the insult. (He wanted to retaliate for the insult.)
  • Vengefulness (n): a synonym for revengefulness, meaning the same quality.

    • Her vengefulness was a barrier to reconciliation. (Her desire for revenge prevented peace.)
Synonyms
  • Vindictiveness: a strong, often petty desire for revenge.

    • His vindictiveness led him to spread false rumors. (His desire for revenge caused him to harm others' reputations.)
  • Malice: the intention to do harm.

    • The act was done with malice, not accident. (It was done with a desire to hurt.)
Related Idioms
  • Nurse a grudge: to hold onto feelings of resentment and a desire for revenge.

    • He nursed a grudge against his brother for years. (He kept a vengeful feeling alive over time.)
  • Bide one's time: to wait for the right moment to take revenge.

    • She bided her time before exposing her rival's secret. (She waited patiently to retaliate.)
Antonyms
  • Forgiveness: the act of letting go of resentment and the desire for revenge.

    • Forgiveness is the opposite of revengefulness. (It involves releasing vengeful feelings.)
  • Magnanimity: generosity and nobility of spirit, especially toward an enemy.

    • Her magnanimity prevented her from seeking revenge. (Her generous nature stopped revengefulness.)