The word vicious (Adjective) describes something or someone that is cruel, violent, or deliberately harmful. In this guide, you’ll learn the full definition, synonyms, antonyms, etymology, and real-life examples of how to use vicious correctly in sentences.
Vicious Explained in Depth
A complete and detailed guide to the word vicious, including meaning, definition, examples, etymology, synonyms, and antonyms.
Meanings of Vicious
Vicious means intentionally harmful, violent, or mean-spirited. It often refers to brutal behavior, dangerous attacks, or extreme cruelty, whether physical, verbal, or emotional.
Definition
Vicious refers to actions, behavior, or individuals that are deliberately cruel, violent, or morally wrong. A vicious person may cause harm without remorse, and a vicious act can inflict pain, fear, or destruction. The word can describe physical aggression, such as a vicious dog attack, or metaphorical harm, such as vicious gossip or rumors. It also appears in phrases like “vicious cycle,” referring to a chain of negative events that reinforce each other. Vicious emphasizes intentionality and severity in its harmful nature, making it one of the strongest adjectives to describe extreme malice or brutality.
Etymology
The word vicious originates from the Latin word “vitiosus,” meaning “faulty” or “full of faults,” which comes from “vitium,” meaning “fault” or “defect.” It entered Middle English from Old French “vicios,” carrying the idea of moral depravity or corruption. Over time, its meaning expanded to include not only moral wrongdoing but also cruelty, violence, and aggressive behavior. Today, vicious is widely used to describe both human actions and animals that are fierce, dangerous, or brutal.
Example Sentences
- The criminal carried out a vicious attack on the innocent victim.
- Online bullying can quickly become a vicious and destructive behavior.
- The dog became vicious when it felt threatened.
Vicious Synonyms
- Brutal
- Malicious
- Cruel
- Violent
- Hateful
- Mean
- Ferocious
- Spiteful
- Malevolent
Vicious Antonyms
- Kind
- Gentle
- Compassionate
- Peaceful
- Friendly
- Benevolent
- Caring
- Calm
- Helpful
- Forgiving
FAQs about Vicious
1. What does vicious mean?
It means extremely cruel, violent, or deliberately harmful in nature or behavior.
2. Can animals be described as vicious?
Yes, animals can be called vicious if they behave aggressively or attack with intent to harm.
3. Is vicious always physical?
No, vicious can describe verbal attacks, intentions, or cycles of negative behavior as well.
4. What is a vicious cycle?
A vicious cycle is a repeating series of events that worsen over time and reinforce the problem.
5. Is vicious worse than mean?
Yes, vicious suggests a higher level of cruelty and intentional harm than simply being mean.