online vocabulary.com

Viciousness - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

viciousness

/ˈvɪʃəsnəs/ /ˈvɪʃəsnəs/

Definition:

Cruel or violent behavior, characterized by malice or aggression.

Synonyms:

brutality, savagery, ferocity, cruelty

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

kindness, gentleness

Common Collocations:

sheer viciousness, act of viciousness, display of viciousness

Derivatives:

vicious, viciously

Usage Tips:

Use "viciousness" to describe extreme cruelty or aggression, often in behavior or actions.

Common Phrases:

cycle of viciousness, sheer viciousness, unleash one's viciousness

Etymology:

Derived from Latin "vitiosus" (faulty, corrupt), evolving to mean malicious or violent behavior.

Examples:

  • 1. The dog's viciousness scared the neighbors.
  • 2. Her speech was filled with unexpected viciousness.
  • 3. The fight showed the boxer's raw viciousness.
  • 4. He was shocked by the criminal's sheer viciousness.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS