disapproval If you describe someone as vengeful, you are critical of them because they feel a great desire for revenge. He was stabbed to death by his vengeful wife. very eager to punish someone who has done something bad (venge (16-17 centuries), from venge (13-20 centuries), from venger; VENGEANCE)
disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge; "more vindictive than jealous love"- Shakespeare; "punishments essentially vindictive in their nature"- M R Cohen