virulent — extremely severe or harmful in its effects; bitterly hostile
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: extremely severe or harmful in its effects; bitterly hostile
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈvɪrjələnt/
Example Sentences
- His virulent comments about the movie made the director cry.
- The virulent bacteria resisted all known antibiotics.
- She launched a virulent attack on social media influencers.
virulent
ADJECTIVE[/ˈvɪrjələnt/]
extremely severe or harmful in its effects; bitterly hostile
A virulent infection attacks fiercely, leaving the sick man surrounded by dangerous, fast-spreading germs.
Virus lent toxic loans — virulently harmful and hostile!
Virulent vines surge and spread — one greenhouse turns hostile with twisting green dread.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'virulentus' meaning poisonous or venomous, derived from 'virus' meaning poison or venom. The word entered English through Old French and has been used since the 16th century.
Breakdown
vir- (poison/venom from Latin virus) + -ul- (diminutive/having quality of) + -ent (adjective suffix meaning having quality of) = virulent
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His virulent comments about the movie made the director cry.”
“The virulent bacteria resisted all known antibiotics.”
“She launched a virulent attack on social media influencers.”
“The politician's virulent speech caused more division than unity.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.