vindictive
desiring revenge
Roots
Other words with the vindic root
- vindicate: to clear from blame or prove justified
- vindication: clearing from blame or proof of being right
- vindicator: defender who clears blame
Vindic can bend from claim/defend toward avenging.
A fair critique is not the same as a vindictive attack.
The motive is not justice clearing the record; it is payback.