vendetta
noun
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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.
Examples of vendetta in a Sentence
David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
There are personal vendettas framed as political positions and political positions rooted in a plea for human decency.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
Commissioner Joe Carollo Sued for misuse of public office
In June, a jury ordered Commissioner Joe Carollo to pay $63.5 million to two Little Havana businessmen for weaponizing city resources – from police to code enforcement – to carry out a personal vendetta.
—Susan Merriam, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
In court this incident was pitched as a personal protest against Mr Majendie in order to further the defendant’s defence that this claim was a personal vendetta.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for vendetta 
Dictionary Entries Near vendetta
Cite this Entry
“Vendetta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vendetta. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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vendetta
noun
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