KJV Dictionary Definition: spite

spite

SPITE, n. L. Hatred; rancor; malice; malignity; malevolence.

Spite, however, is not always synonymous with these words. It often denotes a less deliberate and fixed hatred than malice and malignity, and is often a sudden fit of ill will excited by temporary vexation. It is the effect of extreme irritation, and is accompanied with a desire of revenge, or at least a desire to vex the object of ill will.

Be gone, ye critics, and restrain your spite; Codrus writes on, and will for ever write.

In spite of, in opposition to all efforts; in defiance or contempt of. Sometimes spite of is used without in, but not elegantly. It is often used without expressing any malignity of meaning.

Whom God made use of to speak a word in season, and saved me in spite of the world, the devil and myself.

In spite of all applications, the patient grew worse every day.

To owe one a spite, to entertain a temporary hatred for something.

SPITE, v.t.

1. To be angry or vexed at.

2. To mischief; to vex; to treat maliciously; to thwart.

3. To fill with spite or vexation; to offend; to vex.

Darius, spited at the Magi, endeavored to abolish not only their learning but their language. Not used.

spited

SPITED, pp. Hated; vexed.

spiteful

SPITEFUL, a. Filled with spite; having a desire to vex, annoy or injure; malignant; malicious.

--A wayward son, spiteful and wrathful.

spitefulness

SPITEFULNESS, n. The desire to vex, annoy or mischief, proceeding from irritation; malice; malignity.

It looks more like spitefulness and ill nature, than a diligent search after truth.

Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.
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