'spiteful' originates from the word 'spite,' which comes from Old French 'despit,' meaning 'contempt' or 'scorn.'

'despit' transformed into the Middle English word 'spite,' and eventually became the modern English word 'spiteful' by adding the suffix '-ful.'

Initially, it meant 'full of contempt or scorn,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having a desire to harm or anger someone.'