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

Certainly, a highly virulent respiratory virus could have a major global impact. —Dave Wessner, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Recently officials announced the disturbing news that bird flu has infected a pig in Oregon, a troubling development that health experts say could mean a more transmissible and virulent virus. —Seema Policepatil, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024

With more powerful and virulent tools, fake news can travel at near two thirds the speed of light, often without human regulation. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Their virulent strain of hate, deeply rooted in antisemitism, has spread beyond the region and found fertile ground in Western democracies, including the United States. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 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

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