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

• bad [slang]
• bitchy
• catty
• cruel
• despiteful
• hateful
• malevolent
• malicious
• malign
• malignant
• mean
• nasty
• spiteful
• vicious

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

And in the early 20th century, a fungal pathogen arrived imported on trees from China that proved to be incredibly virulent and incredibly deadly to American chestnuts. —Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025

Moreover, letting the virus spread uncontrollably in thousands or even millions of birds gives the virus countless opportunities to evolve and become more virulent. —Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025

There is no lack of virulent organisms floating around this time of year, including the ever-present COVID. —Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

Even worse ex-president, whose meddling in US foreign policy & virulent anti-Israel/anti-Semitic views must not be forgotten. —Naomi Lim, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Dec. 2024

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