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

Meanwhile, the current outbreak, which began in Congo late last year, is linked to a new, more virulent form of the disease. —Sophie Neiman, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Sep. 2024

Sweden confirmed its first case of a more virulent variant of Mpox in August. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024

The team got some early clues to why some people have more virulent allergic reactions, but there is still more work to be done to fully understand this mechanism. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 2024

The continuing spread of the virus could lead to the emergence of variants that might be even more transmissible than Omicron, at least as virulent as Delta, and even more capable of evading the immunity provided by vaccines or prior infection. —Michael T. Osterholm, Foreign Affairs, 22 Jan. 2022

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

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