Meaning & Definition of word "Malicious"
Malicious
/məˈlɪʃəs/
adjective:
- 1. Characterized by a desire to harm others or to cause them suffering.
- Example: The malicious rumors spread quickly, damaging her reputation.
- 2. Intended to cause harm or pain; malevolent.
- Example: His malicious intent was evident in the way he sabotaged the project.
- 3. Related to or resulting from malice; spiteful.
- Example: The hacker used a malicious program to steal sensitive information.
Etymology
●From Latin 'malitiosus', meaning 'having a bad disposition', from 'malitia', meaning 'ill will, badness'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
malicious intent:
The intention to cause harm or injury.
malicious software:
Software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
Related Words
malice:
The intention or desire to do evil or cause injury.
malignancy:
The quality of being malign; a tendency to cause harm.
Slang Meanings of malicious
Meaning: Shady
● Example Sentence: He pulled a shady move last night.
Meaning: Dirty
● Example Sentence: That's a dirty trick he pulled on you.