Main Entry: ¹spite

Pronunciation: \ˈspīt\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, short for despite

Date: 14th century

1 : petty ill will or hatred with the disposition to irritate, annoy, or thwart
2 : an instance of spite

synonyms see malice

— in spite of : in defiance or contempt of : without being prevented by <succeeded in spite of their opposition>