vendetta
UK: venˈdet.ə | US: venˈdet.ə
n. a prolonged bitter feud or rivalry, often involving revenge
n. (historically) a blood feud between families, especially in Corsica or Italy
vendetta = vend<avenge> + etta<noun suffix>
- vend<avenge>: From Italian vendetta, derived from Latin vindicta (vengeance), from vindicare (to claim, avenge).
- etta<noun suffix>: A diminutive or feminine suffix in Italian, here forming a noun denoting a specific type of feud.
Etymology Origin:
The word vendetta entered English in the 19th century from Italian, where it originally referred to a blood feud, particularly in Corsican or Sicilian traditions. Its Latin root vindicta reflects the concept of "claiming justice" or "avenging wrongs," evolving into a term for cyclical revenge. The suffix -etta gives it a distinct cultural nuance, emphasizing the personal and often violent nature of such feuds.
The two families had a vendetta that lasted for generations.
His actions sparked a vendetta between the rival gangs.
She swore a vendetta against those who betrayed her.
The film portrays a classic vendetta in the style of Italian revenge dramas.
Political vendettas often undermine public trust in institutions.