Definition of vicious

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< vicinity

vicious circle >

vi·cious

s) KEY

ADJECTIVE:

Having the nature of vice; evil, immoral, or depraved.
Given to vice, immorality, or depravity.
Spiteful; malicious: vicious gossip.
Disposed to or characterized by violent or destructive behavior. See Synonyms at cruel.
Marked by an aggressive disposition; savage. Used chiefly of animals.
Severe or intense; fierce: a vicious storm.
Faulty, imperfect, or otherwise impaired by defects or a defect: a forced, vicious style of prose.
Impure; foul.

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French vicieus, from Latin vitisus, from vitium, vice

OTHER FORMS:
vicious·ly(Adverb), vicious·ness(Noun)

Thesaurus: synonyms for vicious

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