n.
 a desire to hurt, annoy, or offend.
v.
 deliberately hurt, annoy, or offend.
Phrase
  
    - in spite of
 without being affected by the particular factor mentioned.
- in spite of oneself
 although one did not want or expect to do so.
 
  Etymology
  ME: shortening of OFr. despit ‘contempt’, despiter ‘show contempt for’.