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

Discomfort and Distress

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Disgust and Aversion

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Fear and Ferocity

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Hostility and Brutality

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Violence and Aggression

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Dictionary Definition of vicious

Marked by extreme cruelty, brutality, or a propensity for causing harm.
"The vicious dog barked and snarled at anyone who came near."

Detailed Meaning of Vicious

The adjective "vicious" is used to describe something that is marked by extreme cruelty, brutality, or a propensity for causing harm. When applied to a person or an animal, it signifies a disposition towards aggressive, malevolent, or malicious behavior. Viciousness often implies a deliberate intent to injure or hurt others, whether physically, emotionally, or verbally. In a broader context, "vicious" can describe actions, cycles, or systems that perpetuate harm, oppression, or violence, often without remorse or consideration for the consequences. This term underscores the presence of a harmful and destructive nature, making it a powerful descriptor for behaviors or situations that are morally reprehensible or dangerous.

Example Sentences for Vicious

1. The vicious attack left the victim with life-threatening injuries.
2. The vicious dog chased pedestrians down the street.
3. The gang's reputation for violence was truly vicious.
4. Her words were a vicious assault on his character.
5. The criminal had a history of vicious crimes.
6. The storm unleashed a vicious torrent of rain and wind.

Origin and Etymology of Vicious

The adjective 'vicious' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'vicious,' which is derived from 'vitium,' meaning 'fault' or 'defect.' In its earliest usage, 'vicious' was primarily used to describe something that was flawed or defective. Over time, this evolved into a more figurative sense, where 'vicious' came to describe not just a physical flaw but a moral one. It began to connote behavior that was marked by extreme cruelty, brutality, or a propensity for causing harm. This shift in meaning reflects the idea that actions or individuals deemed 'vicious' were seen as having inherent defects or moral shortcomings, leading to the contemporary understanding of the term as a descriptor for cruel and harmful behavior.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective vicious:

cruel

compassionate

gentle

kind

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Vicious

1. The vicious predator stalked its prey silently.
2. The gossip was a vicious attempt to ruin her reputation.
3. The serpent's bite was known for its viciousness.
4. The street fight escalated into a vicious brawl.
5. The predator's eyes gleamed with a vicious hunger.
6. The online trolls launched a vicious smear campaign.
7. The political campaign turned into a vicious mudslinging match.
8. The mob descended into a vicious frenzy.
9. The boxer was known for his vicious knockout punches.
10. The vicious winds tore through the town, leaving devastation.
11. The inmate had a reputation for being vicious in prison.
12. The gang's initiation rituals were notoriously vicious.
13. The vicious cycle of abuse needed to be broken.
14. The dictator ruled with a vicious iron fist.
15. He had a vicious temper and was known for his outbursts.
16. The vicious storm caused widespread damage and destruction.
17. Her vicious comments about her coworkers caused tension in the office.
18. The vicious cycle of poverty was hard to break.
19. He had a vicious streak and was capable of violence.
20. The vicious criminal was finally caught by the police.
21. She had a vicious tongue and was not afraid to speak her mind.
22. The vicious rumor spread quickly and caused harm.
23. He had a vicious rivalry with his neighbor.
24. The vicious attack on the innocent victim was condemned by all.
25. She had a vicious streak and often took pleasure in others' misfortune.