Meaning & Definition of word "Vicious"
Vicious
/ˈvɪʃ.əs/
adjective:
- 1. deliberately cruel or violent.
- Example: The vicious dog attacked the mailman without warning.
- 2. having a reputation for evil or harmful behavior.
- Example: He was a vicious criminal who had committed numerous felonies.
- 3. extremely severe or harmful.
- Example: The vicious storm caused widespread destruction across the coast.
- 4. characterized by malice or spite.
- Example: She spread vicious rumors about her former friend out of jealousy.
- 5. marked by an aggressive or violent temperament.
- Example: The vicious competitor did not hesitate to sabotage his rivals.
Etymology
●Middle English, from Old French 'vicieux', from Latin 'viciosus', from 'vitium' meaning 'defect or fault'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
vicious cycle:
A repeating sequence of events that perpetuates itself.
vicious rumors:
Harmful or false statements spread with malicious intent.
vicious attack:
A brutal and ferocious assault.
Related Words
vice:
A moral fault or weakness.
viciousness:
The quality of being vicious.
vicissitude:
A change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.
Slang Meanings of vicious
Meaning: Feeling intensely angry or infuriated.
● Example Sentence: That was a vicious burn he laid on you!
Meaning: Extremely cool or impressive.
● Example Sentence: That skateboard trick was vicious!