vindicative

comparative more vindicative · superlative most vindicative

1. Vindicating, having a tendency to vindicate.

   1 more example

   page 316: A vindicative war can be defined as one in which we strive to gain that which is our own or which is due to us. […] page 328: […] since that is a vindicative war in which we strive to gain what is our own, but a punitive war is one in which a penalty is exacted from one against whom the war is brought; […]

   1964, Christian Freiherr von Wolff, Jus Gentium Methodo Scientifica Pertractatum, volume 2, number 13

2. Vindictive, excessively vengeful.

   He in heat of action Is more vindicative than jealous love.

   c. 1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Troylus and Cressida”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene v]

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   That albeit the care of Religion toward God, in a vindicative and punishing way, and reforming it, &c. lyeth upon the King or Magistrates mainly, (he should have said onely, for none can produce a commission, but the Powers ordained of God, for using the vindicative, punitive and reforming Sword, […]

   1668, Andrew Honyman (Church of Scotland), A Survey of the Insolent and Infamous Libel … Naphtali, page 83