virulent

adjective

vir·​u·​lent ˈvir-ə-lənt 

ˈvir-yə-

1

a

: marked by a rapid, severe, and destructive course

a virulent infection

b

: able to overcome bodily defensive mechanisms : markedly pathogenic

virulent bacteria

2

: extremely poisonous or venomous

3

: full of malice : malignant

virulent racists

4

: objectionably harsh or strong

virulent criticism

virulently adverb

Synonyms

• malicious
• vicious
• cruel
• hateful
• nasty

Examples of virulent in a Sentence

The country seemed to be returning to the virulent nationalism of its past.

the virulent look on her face warned me that she was about to say something unkind

Recent Examples on the Web

But, unfortunately, there will be more as the extraordinarily virulent pathogen continues to tear around the country. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025

Whether on purpose or by accident, Grok has been instructed or trained to reflect the style and rhetoric of a virulent bigot. —Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 8 July 2025

In many ways, the documentary contributed to how a significant number of people still see Malcolm X – as a violent and virulent racist. —Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 18 May 2025

Mounting fear within the Jewish and Conservative communities of New York is that Mamdani’s furtive stance of justice for Palestine and divestment from Israel is stoking the flame of more virulent Anti-Semitism to come. —Alexandra Bregman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "discharging watery pus, purulent," borrowed from Latin vīrulentus "full of poison, venomous," from vīrus "venom, poisonous fluid" + -ulentus "having in quantity, full of" — more at virus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing virulent

• hyper-virulent

Rhymes for virulent

• avirulent

Kids Definition

virulent

adjective

vir·​u·​lent ˈvir-(y)ə-lənt 

1

a

: marked by a rapid, severe, and often deadly course

a virulent infection

b

: able to overcome or break down the defenses of the body

a virulent germ

2

: extremely poisonous : noxious

3

: full of hate : spiteful

virulently adverb

Medical Definition

virulent

adjective

vir·​u·​lent -lənt 

1

a

: marked by a rapid, severe, and malignant course

a virulent infection

b

: able to overcome bodily defense mechanisms

a virulent pathogen

2

: extremely poisonous or venomous : noxious