spite

A wish to upset or hurt someone, often because you are angry with them.

• She said it out of spite.
• His voice was full of spite.
• They damaged the garden through pure spite.

How to use it: out of spite (He hid my keys out of spite.)

Similar words: malice, ill will

Opposites: goodwill

Common phrases: out of spite, pure spite, full of spite

To do something deliberately to hurt or upset another person.

• He refused to help just to spite me.
• She invited him only to spite her sister.
• You will hurt yourself if you act to spite others.

Similar words: hurt, upset, antagonize

Common phrases: spite someone, just to spite

To offend, annoy, or make someone feel bitter and hostile.

• Their insults spited him deeply.
• She felt spited by their constant mockery.
• His cruel remarks were meant to spite her.

Similar words: offend, vex, irritate

Common phrases: spite someone, spite an enemy

Although something might prevent it or make it unlikely.

• Spite the rain, we walked on.
• She succeeded spite all opposition.
• Spite his fear, he entered the dark house.

How to use it: spite something (Spite the cold, they continued their journey.)

Similar words: despite, notwithstanding

Common phrases: spite the rain, spite all opposition