C1adjectivecrimeconflict
US/ˈvɪʃ.əs/
UK/ˈvɪʃ.əs/
cruel and meant to hurt someone, with words or actions; also very harmful
In context
The candidate was the target of a vicious online campaign.
Poverty and crime can form a vicious circle in poor neighborhoods.
Several journalists received vicious threats after the report was published.
Words that go with vicious
adjective + noun
- vicious circleDebt and stress can trap families in a vicious circle.
- vicious attackThe minister made a vicious attack on his opponent's record.
- vicious cycleCutting staff led to a vicious cycle of delays and complaints.
- vicious rumorsVicious rumors spread quickly on social media.
- vicious campaignShe refused to respond to the vicious campaign against her.