Virulent

/ˈvɪɹ(j)ʊl(ə)nt/ · adjective

Meaning

Of animals, plants, or substances: extremely venomous or poisonous..

Definitions by Sense

1. Of animals, plants, or substances: extremely venomous or poisonous.
2. (figurative) Extremely hostile or malicious; intensely acrimonious.
3. (medicine) Of a disease or disease-causing agent: malignant, able to cause damage to the host.
4. (microbiology) Of a pathogen: replicating within its host cell, then immediately causing it to undergo lysis.

Example Sentences

The politicians were virulent in their hatred of the president.

More venemous and much more virulent / Then any poyſoned tode, or any ſerpent.

It was a casual sneer, obviously one of a long line. There was hatred behind it, but of a quiet, chronic type, nothing new or unduly virulent, and he was taken aback by the flicker of amazed incredulity that passed over the younger man's ravaged face.

They were targeted by a virulent strain of nativism toward those from Southern and Eastern Europe that was largely about race.

Synonyms for virulent

Antonyms for virulent

Related Words

Word Forms

• more virulent
• most virulent

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions