Vicious: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe someone or something that is dangerously aggressive and intended to cause harm.

• The vicious dog attacked anyone who came close.
• He made a vicious comment that hurt her deeply.

Cruel is used to describe someone who takes pleasure in causing pain or suffering, and can be applied both to physical and emotional contexts.

• It was cruel of him to tease the child like that.
• The cruel treatment of the animals sparked a public outcry.

Brutal indicates extreme physical violence or cruelty, often used when talking about attacks, murders, or harsh conditions.

• The brutal attack left him in the hospital for weeks.
• It was a brutal winter that tested everyone's endurance.

Savage is used to describe something as wild, uncontrolled, and violent. It often portrays primitive or raw aggression.

• The savage beast tore through the jungle.
• They faced savage opposition from their rivals.

This word describes wild and violent behavior, often associated with wild animals or intense aggression.

• The lion gave a ferocious roar before attacking.
• She had a ferocious determination to win.

Used to describe actions or people that show no compassion or pity for others. It often has a negative connotation.

• The dictator was merciless in suppressing dissent.
• The merciless heat of the desert made survival difficult.

Used to describe something or someone that is violently aggressive and dangerous, often causing harm or suffering.

• The dog became vicious and attacked the intruder
• The mob unleashed a vicious attack on the protesters

Describes behavior or intent that is meant to cause harm, damage, or suffering to someone on purpose.

• He spread malicious rumors about his former colleague
• The hacker carried out a malicious attack on the company's website

Used when describing comments or actions that cause emotional pain or distress to someone.

• Her hurtful words left him in tears
• The feedback was unnecessarily hurtful and demoralized the team

Used to describe something or someone that is unpleasant, rude, or offensive. It often carries a slightly less intense connotation compared to 'vicious'.

• She made a nasty remark about his appearance
• The weather turned nasty, with heavy rain and strong winds

Describes behavior or actions meant to deliberately hurt or harm someone, often out of a desire for revenge or bitterness.

• He made a spiteful comment just to upset her
• The spiteful actions of the competitor were aimed at ruining the company's reputation

Used to describe someone who has a strong desire for revenge and acts in a way to get back at others.

• Her vindictive nature made her hold grudges for years
• The leader's vindictive policies were designed to punish his opponents

Describing something or someone that is aggressively mean or violent.

• The dog gave him a vicious bite.
• She spoke with a vicious tone.

A general term for morally wrong or wicked actions or characteristics.

• He committed an evil act.
• Many consider him to be an evil person.

Referring to behavior or qualities that seem inspired by evil spirits or the devil.

• He had a demonic look in his eyes.
• The film depicted demonic possession.

Used to describe something that suggests a sense of danger or that something bad will happen.

• There was a sinister shadow in the alley.
• Her smile had a sinister quality.

Used for something extremely wicked or cruel, often implying cunning or planning.

• The villain's plan was diabolical.
• She came up with a diabolical scheme to cheat.

Describing someone who wishes to do harm or has harmful intentions.

• His malevolent glare unsettled everyone.
• Stories often feature malevolent spirits.