Dictionary

1spite

noun \ˈspīt\

: a desire to harm, anger, or defeat another person especially because you feel that you have been treated wrongly in some way

Full Definition of SPITE

1
:  petty ill will or hatred with the disposition to irritate, annoy, or thwart
2
:  an instance of spite
in spite of
:  in defiance or contempt of :  without being prevented by <succeeded in spite of their opposition>
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Origin of SPITE

Middle English, short for despite
First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of SPITE

malice, malevolence, ill will, spite, malignity, spleen, grudge mean the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress. malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer <felt no malice toward their former enemies>. malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct <a look of dark malevolence>. ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration <ill will provoked by a careless remark>. spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments <petty insults inspired by spite>. malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness <a life consumed by motiveless malignity>. spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice <venting his spleen against politicians>. grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction <never one to harbor a grudge>.

2spite

transitive verb

: to deliberately annoy, upset, or hurt (someone)

spit·edspit·ing
SPITE Defined for Kids

1spite

noun \ˈspīt\

Definition of SPITE for Kids

:  dislike or hatred for another person with a wish to torment, anger, or defeat
in spite of
:  without being prevented by <The club failed in spite of our efforts.>

2spite

verb
spit·edspit·ing

Definition of SPITE for Kids

:  annoy, anger <He did it to spite me.>

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