spite

Spite refers to a petty or malicious desire to harm, frustrate, or offend another person, often in ways that are not justified by self-interest. Spiteful actions are typically distinguished from behavior motivated by practical concerns, legitimate retaliation, or a genuine effort to improve a situation. People acting out of spite may incur personal costs to impose an annoyance or disadvantage on someone else, sometimes as a way to express grievance or to exert social signaling.

Etymology and usage: The noun is linked to Old French and earlier English forms associated with ill will and contempt. The phrase out of spite conveys a motive driven by malice rather than utility, and the related verb to spite means to deliberately irritate or injure someone.

Psychological and social dimensions: Spite can arise from grudges, envy, anger, or a desire to punish perceived slights. It often depends on social context, where reputation, status, or relational dynamics influence whether a spiteful act is perceived as proportionate or gratuitous. Spite can undermine cooperation and trust, especially in repeated interactions or collective settings.

In culture and theory, spite appears in literature, everyday speech, and social science. In game theory and behavioral economics, spiteful incentives can lead individuals to incur costs to harm others, sometimes reducing efficiency or harming broader welfare. Overall, spite is generally viewed as a negative motive that complicates social relations and decision-making.