Vicious - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT vicious /ˈvɪʃəs/ /ˈvɪʃɪs/ IPA guide

Vicious is an adjective that means intentionally harmful or nasty. If you spread vicious rumors about a person, you're telling people things that will hurt her feelings or ruin her reputation. Cut it out!

If you're described as vicious, you're someone who does brutal things on purpose, out of ill-will towards others, like beating up defenseless puppies or poisoning the drinking water for a town. You're worse than just mean if you are vicious — in fact, you're evil! People (and puppies) will be wise to keep their distance. Other things, like gossip, animals, or cars from horror movies can be vicious, too.

Definitions of vicious

adjective having the nature of vice synonyms: evil wicked morally bad in principle or practice
adjective (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering “vicious kicks” synonyms: barbarous, brutal, cruel, fell, roughshod, savage inhumane reflecting lack of pity or compassion
adjective marked by deep ill will; deliberately harmful “vicious gossip” synonyms: poisonous, venomous malicious having the nature of or resulting from malice
adjective bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure synonyms: condemnable, criminal, deplorable, reprehensible wrong contrary to conscience or morality or law

Pronunciation US /ˈvɪʃəs/ UK /ˈvɪʃɪs/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘vicious'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

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