virulent

/vˈɪɹələnt/

/ˈvɪɹəɫənt/

virulent

extremely poisonous or injurious; producing venom

synonyms : deadly

infectious; having the ability to cause disease

antonyms : avirulent

harsh or corrosive in tone

synonyms : acerb

Examples

1. The French government has also been virulent on extremism since the Charlie Hebdo attacks.

2. In 1919, a virulent new strain of influenza swept the world.

3. In Belgium the reactions to the German slave labor laws are similar, although less virulent.

4. In any case, Yersinia pestis is exceptionally virulent because of its ability to overwhelm the immune system of the body.