begrudge

/bɪˈɡrʌʤ/

Other forms: begrudged; begrudging; begrudges

To begrudge someone for something is to wish them ill for it or to envy them. Try not to begrudge his getting the promotion over you — he's been at the company longer.

An understudy might begrudge the lead her role and even go so far as to put glass in her shoes so she can't perform. An easy way to remember the meaning of this verb is to note the noun grudge lurking inside it. A grudge is ill will that you hold toward someone: to begrudge is to hold that grudge. If you begrudge your friend his happiness because he got the nicer car, your friendship will suffer.

Definitions of begrudge

1. verb

   be envious of; set one's heart on
   synonyms: envy

   types:

   covet

   wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person)

   drool, salivate

   be envious, desirous, eager for, or extremely happy about something

   type of:

   desire, want

   feel or have a desire for; want strongly
2. verb

   wish ill or allow unwillingly
   synonyms: resent

   antonyms:

   wish

   feel or express a desire or hope concerning the future or fortune of