malicious

Everyday

1. Malicious means wanting to hurt someone or do harm on purpose. tree →
2. A malicious act, word or rumour is one meant to harm or upset someone. tree →
3. (computers) Malicious software or a malicious link is made to damage a computer or steal information. tree →

In the lessons

In stories a malicious character is cruel on purpose, which tells the reader they are a villain. In computing and online safety lessons children learn not to click malicious links or download malicious files. In law, damaging something on purpose can be called "malicious damage". Phrases: "malicious gossip", "malicious rumour", "malicious software (malware)", "malicious intent".

Examples

• The witch gave a malicious smile and locked the door. tree →
• Someone spread a malicious rumour that Tom had cheated. tree →
• Don't open emails from strangers; they may contain malicious links. tree →
• The website was attacked by malicious software. tree →
• It was an accident, not a malicious act. tree →
• (formal) The court found that the damage to the car was malicious. tree →
• Her malicious comments made the new girl cry. tree →
• Their only neighbor was a bad and malicious badger. tree →

Note

It is a stronger word than "mean" or "nasty": it shows a real wish to harm. Opposite: kind, well-meaning, harmless. Noun: malice ("He did it out of malice"). "Malware" is short for "malicious software". Do not confuse with "mischievous", which means naughty in a playful way, not truly wanting harm.