vice

chiefly British spelling of vise

Kids Definition

vice

1 of 2 noun

ˈvīs

1

a

: evil conduct or habits : wickedness

b

: a moral fault or weakness

dishonesty was his vice

2

: an unimportant fault

eating too much candy is my vice

3

: behavior that is unwanted in a domestic animal (as pulling out feathers by a bird)

vice-

2 of 2 prefix

(ˈ)vīs, 

ˌvīs

: one that takes the place of

Etymology

derived from Latin vice, a form of vicis "a change, another's place or role or job"

Medical Definition

vice

noun

ˈvīs 

: an abnormal behavior pattern in a domestic animal detrimental to its health or usefulness

Legal Definition

vice

1 of 3 noun

ˈvīs 

1

: a moral fault or failing

2

: defect

3

: immoral activity (as prostitution)

vice

2 of 3 preposition

ˈvīs, ˈvī-sē 

: in the place of

I will preside, vice the absent chairman

also : rather than

vice-

3 of 3 prefix

: one that takes the place of

vice-chancellor

Etymology

Latin, ablative of vic- place, turn