English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word vice in English

What does vice mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

vice

US /vaɪs/
UK /vaɪs/
"vice" picture

Noun

1.

immoral or wicked behavior

Example:
•
Gambling is considered a vice by many.
•
The city's vice squad targets prostitution and drug dealing.
Synonym:
immoralitywickednessdepravitycorruptionsin
Synonym:
virtuemoralitygoodness
2.

a metal tool with movable jaws that is used to hold an object firmly while work is done on it

Example:
•
He clamped the wood firmly in the vice before drilling.
•
The mechanic used a large vice to hold the engine part.
Synonym:
clampgripvise (US)
3.

a personal failing or bad habit

Example:
•
Smoking is his only real vice.
•
My biggest vice is probably eating too much chocolate.
Synonym:
failingshortcomingflawhabitaddiction
Synonym:
strengthvirtuegood habit

Prefix

1.

acting in place of; next in rank to

Example:
•
The vice president will attend the meeting in place of the president.
•
She was appointed vice-chair of the committee.
Synonym:
deputyassistantsubstituteacting
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Related Word:
vice versavice chancellor