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Definition of malware

malware

/ˈmæl.wɛər/
mal · ware
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malware Lexical Profile

malware Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system, network, or digital device.

Example

"The company's cybersecurity team updated the firewall to prevent malware from infiltrating the internal network."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for malware

Word Nuance & Usage

'Malware' is a broad umbrella term for any malicious software; a 'computer virus' is a specific subtype of malware that replicates itself by modifying other programs.

• Nearby Words

malva
malvastrum
malvaviscus
malware
mam
mama
mamba

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1990 by computer security researcher Yisrael Radai as a portmanteau of 'malicious' and 'software'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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