English word vindictive comes from Proto-Indo-European *diǵ-, Proto-Indo-European *deyḱ-e-, Proto-Italic *wīs (Strength, force, power.)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *diǵ- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | |
| *deyḱ-e- | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | to show, point out |
| *wīs | Proto-Italic (itc-pro) | Strength, force, power. |
| *déyḱti | Proto-Indo-European (ine-pro) | To be pointing out. |
| vis | Latin (lat) | (New Latin, physics) energy, force. (figuratively) assault, affront. Force, power, strength. Violence. |
| *deikō | Proto-Italic (itc-pro) | Say. |
| dico | Latin (lat) | I appropriate to, devote to, assign to, set apart for.. I consecrate, deify.. I dedicate, devote. |
| vindex | Latin (lat) | Claimant, vindicator. |
| vindicare | Latin (lat) | |
| vindicta | Latin (lat) | A means of vindication. Ceremonial staff used in manumission. Punishment, vengeance. Redress, satisfaction. |
| vindictive | English (eng) | (obsolete) punitive. Having a tendency to seek revenge when wronged, vengeful. |