Vicious
'vɪʃəs
Definitions
3 meaningsDeliberately cruel or violent, often involving physical harm or intense emotional pain.
'vɪʃəs
Deliberately cruel or violent
The school bully was known for his vicious attacks on younger students.
💡 Simply: When something is vicious, it means it's mean and ready to hurt someone or something, like a mean dog that bites.
👶 For kids: Being super mean and hurting someone on purpose.
More Examples
A vicious storm destroyed several homes in the coastal town.
The politician launched a vicious smear campaign against his opponent.
How It's Used
"The dog was known to be vicious and bit several people."
"A vicious attack by a wild animal caused serious injuries."
"The vicious cycle of poverty kept people trapped."
Characterized by immorality, depravity, or a strong tendency towards harmful actions.
'vɪʃəs
Characterized by immorality or depravity
The king's reign was marked by vicious acts of tyranny.
💡 Simply: Vicious can also mean that someone is really bad and does things that are morally wrong.
👶 For kids: When you do bad things on purpose.
More Examples
The detective uncovered a vicious conspiracy to frame the innocent.
The community was shocked by the vicious rumors spread about the family.
How It's Used
"The novel depicted a vicious world of corruption and deceit."
"His vicious behavior was condemned by the community."
Severe, intense, or causing great physical or mental pain.
'vɪʃəs
Severe or painful
The fever was so vicious that it made her delirious.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, vicious just means something is really strong and painful.
👶 For kids: When something hurts really, really bad.
More Examples
The economic recession had a vicious effect on small businesses.
He faced a vicious cycle of debt and poverty.
How It's Used
"The patient suffered from a vicious headache."
"The economic downturn had a vicious impact on the industry."
Synonyms
Brutal
Cruel
Fierce
Malicious
Savage
Corrupt
Depraved
Evil
Immoral
Bitter
Intense
Severe
Sharp
Antonyms
Compassionate
Gentle
Humane
Kind
Moral
Righteous
Upright
Mild
Moderate
Soothing
Idioms & expressions
vicious circle
A situation in which one problem causes another, which then makes the first problem worse.
"The lack of investment created a vicious circle: less development, less jobs and less investment."
From Middle English *vicious*, from Old French *vicious* or Latin *vitiosus* meaning 'faulty, defective, full of vice'.
The word has been used to describe violent behavior and severe punishments since the 14th century.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'vice' squeezing the life out of something. A 'vicious' act crushes with cruelty.