virulent
What does "virulent" mean?
The word "virulent" describes something extremely infectious, poisonous, or harmful in its effects. Imagine a fast-spreading, aggressive virus or a chemical substance that destroys whatever it touches; it carries the mental image of something potent, hostile, and rapidly destructive. In a non-biological context, it is frequently used to describe speech, criticism, or attitudes that are intensely bitter, malicious, or hateful. While you might hear it in medical reports regarding a "virulent strain" of bacteria, you are just as likely to see it in news analysis describing a "virulent attack" on someone’s character or a "virulent campaign" of misinformation.
"virulent" in conversation
Medical context
The test results are back; it is a particularly virulent strain of the flu.
The test results are back; it is a particularly virulent strain of the flu.
Does that mean I need to be quarantined?
Does that mean I need to be quarantined?
Used here in its literal medical sense of being highly infectious.
Social media analysis
The candidate faced a virulent campaign of harassment online.
The candidate faced a virulent campaign of harassment online.
That is a strong word, but it accurately captures the level of vitriol.
That is a strong word, but it accurately captures the level of vitriol.
Used metaphorically to describe aggressive and malicious behavior.
"virulent" in a sentence
The scientist wore protective gear to study the virulent bacteria.
The scientist wore protective gear to study the virulent bacteria.
Despite the virulent criticism from his rivals, he remained calm during the debate.
Despite the virulent criticism from his rivals, he remained calm during the debate.
The forest was decimated by a virulent blight that spread through the trees in days.
The forest was decimated by a virulent blight that spread through the trees in days.
