virulence

/ˈvɪr.jə.ləns/
noun
  1. The severity or harmfulness of a disease or poison.
    • Doctors studied the virulence of the new bacterial strain.
    • The virulence of the flu virus caused a widespread outbreak.
    • The venom's virulence made the snakebite extremely dangerous.
  2. Extreme bitterness, harshness, or hostility in speech or behavior.
    • The online debate escalated with surprising virulence.
    • The virulence of his criticism shocked the audience.
    • Her speech was filled with virulence against the new policy.
Antonyms
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