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.]
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