viper
n.a type of poisonous snake with long teeth. You can also use this word to describe a person who is mean or tries to hurt others secretly.
n.a venomous snake belonging to the family Viperidae, characterised by long, hinged fangs. Figuratively describes a person perceived as treacherous, malicious, or spiteful.
“The hiker saw a viper hiding in the tall grass.”
“He warned his colleagues that the new manager was a viper who would betray them to get a promotion.”
“The protagonist soon realised that the court was filled with vipers, each waiting for a moment of weakness to strike at his reputation.”
When used figuratively for a person, it carries a strong negative connotation of betrayal.
“And yes, they really did stage confrontations with 75 venomous pit vipers in the lab, stepping on the head, mid-body, and tail while wearing safety boots, as well as merely stepping near the snakes.”
“Venomous snakes such as vipers, on the other hand, were rarely caught," explains Lev.”