Vocabulary word Malicious - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

ACT 1 (American College Testing)

Learning activities:

Hostility and Brutality

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Prefix mal-

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Violence and Aggression

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Dictionary Definition of malicious

Characterized by the intent to harm, hurt, or cause suffering to others, often without justification or provocation.
"The hacker's intent was malicious and aimed to steal sensitive information."

Detailed Meaning of Malicious

When someone is characterized as malicious, it implies that they are acting with ill will, spite, or a malevolent intent to inflict damage, either physically, emotionally, or through deceitful means. Malicious actions can range from hurtful comments and gossip to more severe acts of harm or sabotage. This term underscores the deliberate and harmful nature of such actions, highlighting a disregard for the well-being and rights of others, and it is often associated with negative consequences and ethical wrongdoing. Malicious behavior is typically condemned in both moral and legal contexts due to its harmful and destructive impact on individuals and society as a whole.

Example Sentences for Malicious

1. The malicious gossip spread like wildfire, damaging reputations.
2. His malicious intent was evident in his cruel actions.
3. Malicious software can compromise your computer's security.
4. She endured malicious taunts from her classmates.
5. The hacker launched a malicious attack on the company's servers.
6. The lawsuit alleged malicious intent on the part of the defendant.

Origin and Etymology of Malicious

The adjective 'malicious' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'malitiosus,' which evolved from 'malitia,' meaning 'malice' or 'ill will.' This Latin term is derived from 'malus,' which translates to 'bad' or 'evil.' Therefore, 'malicious' originally described something or someone with bad intentions or harboring ill will towards others. Over time, in English, 'malicious' came to characterize actions or behaviors driven by the intent to harm, hurt, or cause suffering to others, often without justification or provocation. The etymology of 'malicious' underscores its connection to the concept of evil or malevolence, highlighting its historical association with actions driven by harmful intentions.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective malicious:

compassionate

benevolent

spiteful

kind

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Malicious

1. His malicious pranks crossed the line into cruelty.
2. The review was a malicious attempt to tarnish the restaurant's image.
3. The malicious rumors caused emotional distress to the victim.
4. Malicious threats should be reported to the authorities.
5. The thief's malicious grin revealed his sinister intentions.
6. The malicious email contained a virus that corrupted files.
7. The courtroom was tense as the malicious testimony unfolded.
8. The malicious intent behind the vandalism was clear.
9. Her malicious behavior strained family relationships.
10. The troll's malicious comments on social media were reported.
11. The company suffered financial losses due to a malicious cyberattack.
12. The malicious actions of a few ruined the event for everyone.
13. The police investigated the malicious harassment case.
14. Malicious hackers often target vulnerable websites.
15. The employee's behavior was found to be malicious and he was fired.
16. The email contained a malicious attachment that could have harmed the computer.
17. The rumor was spread with malicious intent to harm the individual's reputation.
18. The website was taken down due to malicious content and cyber attack attempts.
19. The software was found to have a malicious code which can compromise user's data.
20. The motives behind the crime were found to be malicious and premeditated.
21. The individual's actions were clearly malicious and harmful.
22. The comments made on social media were malicious and targeted at a specific group.
23. The act of vandalism was determined to be malicious and not just a prank.
24. The employee's actions were malicious and violated company policies.
25. The individual's behavior was malicious and caused significant distress to others.