English Lexicon

Vendetta

/vɛnˈdɛtə/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A prolonged bitter quarrel with or campaign against someone.

    "The two families have been engaged in a vendetta for generations."
  2. 2

    A revenge or retaliatory act, especially one that is violent.

    "His vendetta against the corrupt officials led to a series of dramatic confrontations."

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Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'vendetta' originates from the Italian word 'vendetta', meaning 'revenge'. It is derived from the Latin 'vindicta', which means 'vengeance' or 'punishment'. The word has evolved in usage to refer specifically to a prolonged feud or cycle of retaliatory violence, particularly between families or clans.

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