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Definition of malicious

malicious

/məˈlɪʃ.əs/
ma · li · cious
Adverb:maliciously
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malicious Lexical Profile

malicious Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm or cause suffering to others.

Example

"She ignored the malicious rumors that had been circulating around the office."

2

In computing, designed to infiltrate, damage, or disrupt a computer system, network, or data without the owner's consent.

Example

"The security update blocks malicious software from accessing personal files on your device."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for malicious

• Nearby Words

malian
malibu
malice
malicious
maliciously
maliciousness
malign

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 13th century from Old French 'malicius', from Latin 'malitiosus' (full of malice, wicked), derived from 'malitia' (badness, ill will) and ultimately from 'malus' (bad).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Malicious. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/malicious
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