Definition

Noun: * A malevolent desire for revenge: A state or quality of being filled with a deep, persistent, and often spiteful wish to inflict harm or punishment in return for a perceived wrong or injury.

Usage

"Vengefulness" is an uncountable noun that describes a deep-seated, negative emotional state. It is used to characterize a person's disposition or the motivating force behind their actions. It implies a sustained and bitter desire, not a fleeting feeling.

Examples

• Her letter was dripping with bitterness and vengefulness.
• The dictator ruled not with wisdom but with pure vengefulness toward his enemies.
• He warned that acting out of vengefulness would only continue the cycle of violence.
• The story explores the destructive power of vengefulness on the human soul.

Advanced Usage

• "A thirst for vengefulness": An intense, consuming need to seek revenge.
  • The betrayal filled him with a thirst for vengefulness that overshadowed all else.
• "Cold/Burning vengefulness": Describes the character of the desire; "cold" suggests calculated and controlled, while "burning" suggests passionate and consuming.
  • She plotted her move with cold vengefulness.

Variants and Related Words

• Vengeful (adj): Having or showing a strong desire for revenge.
  • He gave her a vengeful look.
• Vengefully (adv): In a vengeful manner.
  • She vowed vengefully to make him pay.
• Revenge (n): The action of inflicting harm in return for an injury or wrong.
  • He sought revenge for the insult.
• Vindictiveness (n): A closely related synonym, emphasizing a spiteful, unforgiving nature.

Synonyms

• Vindictiveness
• Spitefulness
• Ruthlessness (in the context of seeking payback)
• Retributiveness

Antonyms

• Forgiveness
• Mercy
• Compassion
• Magnanimity

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To be consumed by vengefulness": To be completely dominated or overwhelmed by the desire for revenge.
  • After the war, he was consumed by vengefulness and could think of nothing else.
• "An act of pure vengefulness": An action motivated solely by the desire for revenge, with no other justification.
  • Destroying her career was an act of pure vengefulness.

Noun

1. a malevolent desire for revenge