Word of the Day : April 9, 2021

vendetta \ven-DET-uh\ noun

Definition

1 : a feud between different clans or families : blood feud

2 : an often prolonged series of retaliatory, vengeful, or hostile acts or exchange of such acts

Did You Know?

Vendetta has been getting even in English since the 19th century, when it first was used to refer to feuds between different clans or families. It later extended in meaning to cover acts that are known to feature in feuds of all kinds. English speakers borrowed vendetta, spelling and all, from Italian, in which it means "revenge." It ultimately traces to the Latin verb vindicta, of the same meaning. That Latin word is also in the family tree of many other English terms related to getting even, including avenge, revenge, vengeance, vindicate, and vindictive.

Aired April 9, 2021

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