spite

This word carries a strong negative emotional charge, implying a petty or malicious intent. When used as a noun, it often appears in the phrase "out of spite," which suggests that the primary motivation for an action is not personal gain, but the desire to see another person suffer or be annoyed.

As a verb, "spite" is less common in modern conversation than its noun form, but it describes a targeted action intended to frustrate or offend. It is frequently used in the construction "to spite [someone]," often appearing in contexts where a person does something counterproductive to their own interests just to ensure another person is displeased.