Viciousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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viciousness

[ˈvɪʃəsnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

behavior

The quality or state of being vicious, brutal, or cruel.

Synonyms

brutality, cruelty, ferocity, savagery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
viciousness	Often used to describe someone's character or actions that are deliberately harmful and with a strong intent to hurt, both physically and emotionally. The viciousness of his words left her utterly devastated. The dog was known for its viciousness and was not allowed near children.
cruelty	Describes actions that show a lack of empathy or kindness and cause suffering or pain, can be both physical and emotional. Her cruelty towards her younger sister was difficult to watch. Animal cruelty is a serious offence and should not be tolerated.
brutality	Typically refers to physical violence and extreme cruelty, often in contexts such as crimes, animal attacks, or war environments. The brutality of the attack shocked the entire community. The brutality of the regime was condemned by international organizations.
ferocity	Used to describe intense, fierce and aggressive behavior or nature, often linked with wild animals but can also describe people. The ferocity of the storm took everyone by surprise. His ferocity on the football field made him a formidable opponent.
savagery	Refers to wild, untamed, and often brutal and violent behavior. It is often associated with extraordinary levels of violence. The savagery of the crime scene was difficult to describe in words. The battle was fought with incredible savagery.

Examples of usage

He was shocked by the viciousness of the attack.
Their viciousness towards the prisoner was appalling.
The viciousness of the dog scared the neighbors.
The viciousness of the dictator's regime knew no bounds.
She couldn't believe the level of viciousness in their words.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

characteristic

The quality of being spiteful or malicious.

Synonyms

cattiness, malice, spitefulness, vindictiveness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
viciousness	This word is used when describing extreme cruelty or aggression, often in violent situations or behavior. The viciousness of the attack shocked everyone His viciousness towards animals is alarming
spitefulness	This word is used when someone shows a desire to harm, irritate, or annoy others out of revenge or bitterness. It has a negative connotation and implies intentional harm. Her spitefulness was evident when she sabotaged the project The spitefulness in his tone was unmistakable
malice	This word is used to describe the intention to cause harm or suffering to others. It is often used in a legal context or to describe someone's evil intentions. The letter was written with malice He was accused of acting with malice aforethought
vindictiveness	This word is used to describe a strong desire for revenge. It carries a negative connotation and is often used to describe behavior that seeks retribution. His vindictiveness led him to plot revenge She could not hide her vindictiveness after the betrayal
cattiness	This word is used to describe petty, nasty remarks or behavior, often in social settings or informal conversation. It has a somewhat negative connotation but is less severe than other words in the list. Her cattiness was clear when she made that snide comment about the dress The conversation was full of cattiness and backhanded compliments

Examples of usage

Her viciousness towards her coworkers made her unpopular.
Their viciousness in spreading rumors was damaging.
He was known for his viciousness in competition.
The politician's viciousness in attacking opponents was well documented.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Vicious behaviors can stem from various emotional issues, including anger, insecurity, and past trauma.
Individuals exhibiting viciousness may be coping with their own pain, often projecting it onto others.
Understanding the psychological roots of viciousness can help in addressing and changing such behavior.

Literature

In many stories, characters who display viciousness often embody the antagonist role, driving the conflict forward.
Classic literature often explores themes of viciousness to highlight moral lessons, as seen in works like 'Macbeth' and 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.'
Vicious traits in characters can reflect societal issues, prompting readers to analyze human behavior and ethics.

Pop Culture

Movies and TV series often depict vicious villains whose actions serve as cautionary tales, like the Joker in Batman.
Social media amplifies viciousness through cyberbullying, showcasing how harmful behavior can transcend the real world.
Popular songs sometimes address themes of viciousness, either in terms of personal relationships or societal critiques.

History

Historical figures perceived as vicious often instilled fear, influencing their reigns, such as Genghis Khan and his conquests.
During wartime, vicious tactics have been used to demoralize enemies, leaving lasting impacts on both victims and perpetrators.
The concept of 'vicious cycles' in history often appears in discussions about crime and poverty – one harmful act leading to another.

Origin of 'viciousness'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'viciosus,' which means 'full of faults or wickedness.'
In the 14th century, 'vicious' began to describe not just faults but also behaviors that were morally bad.
The suffix '-ness' turns adjectives into nouns, showing a state or quality – in this case, the quality of being vicious.

The word 'viciousness' originated from the Middle English word 'vicious', which came from the Old French word 'vicios' meaning 'full of faults or defects'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the quality or state of being cruel or malicious. The concept of viciousness has been explored in various literary works and philosophical discussions, highlighting the darker aspects of human nature.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,067, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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29064 bedecked
29065 nuzzled
29066 chintz
29067 viciousness
29068 homophobic
29069 bombshell
29070 impeccably
...