malicious

[məˈlɪʃəs]

malicious Definition

intending or intended to do harm.

Using malicious: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "malicious" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He made a malicious comment about her appearance.

• Example

  The virus was spread by a malicious email attachment.

• Example

  She was accused of spreading malicious rumors about her coworkers.

malicious Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for malicious

• spiteful
• malevolent
• vindictive
• malignant
• hateful

Antonyms for malicious

• benevolent
• kind
• generous

Phrases with malicious

• malicious intent

  the desire or plan to cause harm to someone or something

  Example

  The prosecutor argued that the defendant had acted with malicious intent.

• malicious software

  software designed to harm a computer system, network, or device

  Example

  The IT department installed antivirus software to protect against malicious software.

• malicious prosecution

  a lawsuit brought without probable cause and with malice toward the defendant

  Example

  The court found that the plaintiff had engaged in malicious prosecution and ordered them to pay damages.

Origins of malicious

from Latin 'malitia', meaning 'badness'

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Summary: malicious in Brief

'Malicious' [məˈlɪʃəs] describes an intention or action that is meant to cause harm. It can refer to comments, rumors, or actions that are spiteful or malevolent, such as 'He made a malicious comment about her appearance.' The term also extends to software and legal proceedings, as in 'malicious software' and 'malicious prosecution.' Synonyms include 'spiteful,' 'vindictive,' and 'malignant.'