viciously
UK: ˈvɪʃəsli | US: ˈvɪʃəsli
adv. in a cruel or violent manner
adv. with malice or aggression
adv. (archaic) in a way that reflects vice or moral corruption
The word "viciously" stems from the Latin "vitium," meaning "fault" or "vice." Over time, "vicious" evolved in Middle English to describe behavior marked by cruelty or malice. The suffix "-ly" was added to form the adverb, emphasizing the manner in which such actions are carried out. The progression reflects a shift from abstract moral failing (vice) to concrete, aggressive behavior.
The dog growled viciously at the intruder.
Critics attacked the policy viciously in the media.
He was known to retaliate viciously against rivals.
The storm tore through the town viciously.
(Archaic) The corrupt lord ruled viciously, ignoring his people's suffering.