'wrathful' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'wræthful' (from 'wræth' meaning 'anger' or 'wrath').

'wrathful' changed from Old English 'wræthful' through Middle English forms such as 'wrathful' and eventually became the modern English word 'wrathful'.

Initially, it meant 'full of anger' and over time has retained that basic meaning, though it is also used in contexts implying punitive or vengeful anger.