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