What does viper mean?
Viper is a noun with two closely connected uses. Its literal meaning is a venomous snake, especially a species with folding front fangs that inject venom into prey or a person bitten. Figuratively, a viper is a person regarded as malicious, spiteful, or quick to attack with hostile words. The literal sense reflects the word’s long history as a name for venomous snakes, while the figurative sense emphasizes the idea that such a snake is dangerous and full of venom. In ordinary use, viper is more literary and dramatic than a neutral description such as hostile person, and it can suggest deliberate cruelty as well as biting sarcasm. The word may also refer more specifically to members of the Viperidae family, which includes adders, rattlesnakes, and many other venomous snakes. Viper is therefore useful not only for naming a snake, but also for describing someone whose hostility seems particularly venomous.
nounA venomous snake, especially one with long, folding front fangs. Figuratively, a viper is a malicious, spiteful, or dangerously hostile person.
- A venomous snake, especially one belonging to the viper family or having long, folding front fangs.
- A person regarded as malicious, spiteful, or hostile, especially one who attacks others through sharp or venomous language.
"His reputation as a viper preceded him into every negotiation."
"The guide stopped the group as a viper raised its head beside the trail."
"She dismissed the critic as a viper whose comments were intended to poison the discussion."
The regular plural refers to multiple venomous snakes or, figuratively, to several malicious or hostile people.
"Several vipers were concealed among the rocks near the trail."
A wyvern literally began as a “little viper”: both words descend from the same Latin root.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does viper come from?
The English word entered in the late Middle English period from Old French vipere, which came from Latin vipera, the ordinary name for a venomous snake. The prehistoric origin of the Latin word is uncertain. The related word wyvern entered through Old French wyverne, ultimately from a diminutive Latin form meaning “little viper.”
Related word forms
How viper is actually used
The literal sense is standard, although in modern English the word often carries a figurative suggestion of a malicious or fiercely hostile person. That figurative use is more literary and dramatic than “hostile person” and may imply biting sarcasm, deliberate hostility, or vindictiveness.
Easily confused with viper
A viper is a venomous snake or a hostile person, whereas a wiper is a blade or other implement used for cleaning a surface.