virulent

Meaning

Extremely severe or harmful in its effects; of a pathogen, highly infectious or damaging.

Origin / Etymology

From Latin virulentus, full of poison, from virus, poison or venom.

Synonyms

toxic deadly malignant pernicious

Antonyms

benign harmless mild innocuous

Example Sentence

"A virulent strain of avian influenza forced the culling of millions of birds and stress-tested the state's disease response systems."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Apt for GS2 health and GS3 biotechnology answers on epidemics and biosecurity. It also works figuratively in essays, for example, 'a virulent spread of misinformation can undermine public trust as fast as any pathogen.'

Relevant Subjects

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