virulent

Definitions

Extremely severe or harmful in its effects, especially regarding a disease or poison.

Bitterly hostile, malicious, or spiteful in tone or intent.

Examples

The virulent strain of the virus spread rapidly throughout the entire community.

She was shocked by the virulent criticism directed at her latest research paper.

The plant was killed by a virulent fungus that destroyed its root system within days.

Synonyms

toxic venomous noxious deadly malignant hostile vitriolic

Antonyms

harmless benign salutary beneficial wholesome innocuous kind