# virulent

/ˈvɪɹəɫənt/ (US) · /vˈɪɹələnt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/virulent
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

describing a disease that is very strong and spreads very quickly. It can also describe a person who is very angry or full of hate.

For teachers: characterised by extreme intensity, rapid spread, or extreme hostility. In a medical context, it describes pathogens that cause severe disease and high mortality.

## Examples

- The virus is highly virulent and spreads easily.
- The new strain of the flu was so virulent that hospitals were overwhelmed within a week.
- The politician's speech was filled with virulent rhetoric that alienated many of his former supporters and made the election much more difficult to win.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.