Meaning
恶毒 describes something extremely cruel, harmful, or malicious in nature. It characterizes actions, words, intentions, or people that are deliberately hurtful with a particularly nasty or poisonous quality. The word combines 恶 (evil/bad) with 毒 (poison) to emphasize the toxic, harmful nature of the malice.
Usage
This is a strong negative term used to describe particularly cruel behavior, harsh criticism, or malicious intent. Commonly used to describe vicious rumors, spiteful words, or cruel schemes. It carries a literary or formal tone and is more intense than simple words like 坏 (bad). Often appears in phrases like 恶毒的话 (vicious words) or 恶毒的心肠 (malicious heart).
Examples
- 01她用恶毒的话攻击对手，让人感到不齿。, .She attacked her opponent with vicious words, which made people feel contempt.
- 02网上传播这种恶毒的谣言是违法的。.Spreading such malicious rumors online is illegal.
Characters
Common collocations
- 恶毒的话vicious words, malicious remarks
- 恶毒的心肠malicious heart, cruel nature
- 恶毒攻击vicious attack, malicious assault
- 恶毒的诅咒venomous curse
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 恶 (evil) with 毒 (poison), creating a metaphor where malicious intent is likened to poison—something that harms, corrupts, and spreads damage.