vicious

• Décrit quelqu'un ou quelque chose qui est intentionnellement cruel, agressif ou méchant.

Describes someone or something that is deliberately cruel, violent, or aggressive.

1. Cruel or violentB2formal

   Describes a person or action that is deliberately cruel, violent, or intends to cause pain or suffering.

   cruel ou violent

   • The dog gave a vicious growl when the stranger approached.
   • He launched a vicious attack on his political opponent.
   • The bully was known for his vicious behavior.

   Synonymesbarbaricbrutalbrutishcruelferociousinhumanmercilessruthlesssavageviolent

   Antonymesbenevolentcompassionategentlehumanekindmerciful

2. Immoral or wickedC1formal

   Having the nature of vice; morally depraved or wicked.

   vicieux, dépravé

   • The novel portrays a society full of vicious habits.
   • His vicious lifestyle eventually led to his downfall.
   • The story warns against the vicious cycle of greed.

   Synonymesbadcorruptdegeneratedepravedevilimmoraliniquitousnefarioussinfulunprincipledvillainouswicked

   Antonymesethicalgoodhonorablemoralnoblerighteousvirtuous

3. Severely criticalC1formal

   Bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure; harshly critical.

   Sévèrement critique

   • The critic wrote a vicious review of the play.
   • She received a vicious letter from an angry customer.
   • His speech was a vicious condemnation of the policy.

   Synonymesacerbicblisteringcausticmordantsavagescathingtrenchantvitriolicwithering

   Antonymescomplimentaryflatteringlaudatory

4. Malicious or spitefulB2formal

   Marked by deep ill will; deliberately harmful or spiteful.

   malveillant / haineux

   • She spread vicious rumors about her coworker.
   • The article was full of vicious lies.
   • He gave her a vicious look that made her shiver.

   Synonymescruelhatefulmalevolentmaliciousmalignantmeanrancorousspitefulvenomousvindictive

   Antonymesbenevolentbenigncompassionategoodkindkindhearted