Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

vicious

adjective
 
 
/ˈvɪʃ.əs/

Definition

C2 describes people or actions that show an intention or wish to hurt someone or something very badly: a vicious thug a vicious dog The police said that this was one of the most vicious attacks they'd ever seen. He gave her a vicious look.Violent or aggressiveUnkind, cruel and unfeelingTreating people or animals badly C2 describes an object, condition, or remark that causes great physical or emotional pain: a large collection of vicious medieval torture instruments I've got a vicious headache. Make sure you wrap up warmly - there's a vicious (= extremely strong and unpleasant) wind out there. a vicious lie/accusation/rumourViolent or aggressiveUnkind, cruel and unfeelingTreating people or animals badly viciously
 
 
/-li/ adverb
Violent or aggressiveUnkind, cruel and unfeelingTreating people or animals badly
viciousness
 
 
/-nəs/ noun [U]
Violent or aggressiveUnkind, cruel and unfeelingTreating people or animals badly
(Definition of vicious adjective from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
Focus on the pronunciation of vicious