Entry Word: vicious

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 extreme in degree, power, or effect <a vicious winter storm ripped through the region> — see intense
2 having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others <she made a vicious effort to destroy the lives of the people who had wronged her> — see cruel 1
3 not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable <the truly vicious philosophy of that racist organization> — see bad 2
4 violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition <a vicious dog that has already bitten several people> — see fierce 1