malicious
malicious — adjective
1. done with the clear purpose of hurting someone or causing them trouble, whether
done with the clear purpose of hurting someone or causing them trouble, whether through words or through actions
Yasmin spread a malicious rumor about her coworker, hoping to damage his reputation.
collocation: malicious rumor
The anonymous online post was full of malicious lies aimed at hurting the family.
When asked about the incident, Nikhil gave a malicious smile that made everyone uncomfortable.
The court found that the email was sent with malicious intent to cause emotional distress.
- spiteful
Focuses on petty, small-minded meanness that comes from personal hurt feelings; less formal than malicious
- vindictive
Specifically describes a desire for revenge or payback after a perceived wrong, not just general ill will
- malevolent
More formal and dramatic, suggesting an inherent evil nature rather than a single harmful act
- benevolent
Shows kindness and goodwill toward others, the direct opposite of ill intent
- kind
Describes warm, considerate behavior rather than hurtful or harmful actions
用法筆記
Commonly describes nouns about speech or writing (gossip, rumor, remark, post) as well as nouns about harmful purpose (intent, purpose). Does not describe accidental harm or damage caused by natural events.
常見錯誤
2. built or deployed with the goal of harming a machine or network, or of stealing
built or deployed with the goal of harming a machine or network, or of stealing sensitive information
Ayesha's email account was hacked after she clicked a malicious link.
collocation: malicious link
Daichi accidentally downloaded malicious software that encrypted all his personal files.
collocation: malicious software
Security experts warned users not to open attachments containing malicious code.
The company's network was shut down by a malicious program that stole customer data.
- harmful
Broader meaning that covers any kind of damage, not specific to computing
- destructive
Emphasizes the damaging effect rather than the intention behind it
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively in computing and cybersecurity contexts. The shortened form malware (a blend of malicious and software) is more common in everyday tech news.