As previously stated, the definition of bullying is inconsistent with reactive aggression because thelatter is a defensive response as opposed to offensive aggression that exploits an imbalance of power,and it is typically automatic and impulsive rather than a goal-directed behavior (Berkowitz, 1993; Blair,2010; Hubbard et al., 2010; Vitaro et al., 2006). However, is bullying always offensive rather than retaliatoryin nature? In line with the definition of bullying, one key to answering this question is whetherretaliation can, at least in some cases, be viewed as a goal-directed behavior, as opposed to being animpulsive, emotional and automatic action. Several lines of evidence suggest this is the case. First, revengeis commonly cited as a goal or motive for aggression and violence (Pinker, 2011). Secondly, the pursuitof vengeance in a delayed, planned, and premeditated fashion (e.g., delaying an attack until the intendedvictim is alone) entails many of the cardinal elements of proactive, goal-directed aggression,despite having provocation and negative affect in common with reactive aggression. Moreover, delayed,planned, deliberate revenge-seeking is not consistent with neurobiological models of reactive, affective,defensive and impulsive aggression, which is characterized as an immediate, defensive fight response,suffused with negative affect, and driven by the activation of threat circuitry (Blair, 2012; Steiner et al.,2011). Further theoretical and empirical support for including revenge-oriented aggression within thedomain of proactive, goal-directed aggression is provided by factor analyses of the Peer Conflict Scaledemonstrating that items tapping delayed, premeditated vengeance (e.g., I hurt others for things theydid to me a while back) load strongly on proactive aggression scales (Marsee et al., 2011).