viper

[ vahy-per ]

/ ˈvaɪ pər /

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See synonyms for: viper / viperish on Thesaurus.com

noun

any of several venomous Old World snakes of the genus Vipera, especially V. berus, a small snake common in northern Eurasia.

any related snakes belonging to the family Viperidae, characterized by erectile, venom-conducting fangs.

pit viper.

any of various venomous or supposedly venomous snakes.

a malignant or spiteful person.

a false or treacherous person.

Viper, Military. a 9-pound (4-kilogram), shoulder-launched, unguided U.S. Army antitank rocket with an effective range of 273 yards (250 meters).

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Idioms about viper

to nourish a viper in one's bosom, to befriend a person who proves to be treacherous.

Origin of viper

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin vīpera, variant of unattested vīvipera, noun use of feminine of unattested vīviper, later (as re-formation) vīviparus “bringing forth live young”; see vivi-, -parous

OTHER WORDS FROM viper

vi·per·ish, adjectivevi·per·ish·ly, adverb

Words nearby viper

viomycin, viosterol, Viotti, Vioxx, VIP, viper, viperfish, viperine, viper in one's bosom, viperous, viper's bugloss

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use viper in a sentence

The emergence of venom allowed vipers and other ambitious snakes to bring down prey that might otherwise be too dangerous for them to subdue.
After the dinosaurs, Earth became an all-you-can-eat buffet for snakes|Kate Baggaley|October 15, 2021|Popular-Science
Oberyn “Red Viper” Martell, of course, was brutally killed during a trial by combat with The Mountain.
The Return of Tywin Lannister? ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Charles Dance Suggests Tywin Will Be Back|Marlow Stern|September 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Oberyn “Red Viper” Martell (Pedro Pascal) Dies: Season 4, Episode 8: “The Mountain and the Viper” Dios mio.
Life After ‘Game of Thrones’ Death: Where to See Your Favorite Dead Characters Next|Marlow Stern|June 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But Pedro Pascal, the Chilean-American actor who brought the Red Viper to thrilling life, is a busy man.
Life After ‘Game of Thrones’ Death: Where to See Your Favorite Dead Characters Next|Marlow Stern|June 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Did you watch the showdown between The Mountain and the Red Viper?
Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey on Cersei Lannister’s Future and That Controversial Rape Scene|Marlow Stern|June 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Of the actual duel between the Mountain and the Viper, judging its accuracy is no easy matter.
The ‘GOT’ Red Viper and Mountain Duel, and a History of Medieval Trial by Combat|Steven Isaac|June 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A serpent is a serpent, and none the less a viper, because nestled in the bosom of an honest hearted man.
The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States|Martin R. Delany
Caroline darts a viper-like glance at Adolphe, who recoils and proceeds to walk up and down the room.
The Petty Troubles of Married Life, Complete|Honore de Balzac
The coloring of Coronella leopardinus would be the most likely to suggest a viper.
Old-Time Makers of Medicine|James J. Walsh
The viper says to the leech, ‘Why do people invite your bite, and flee from mine?’
The Romany Rye|George Borrow
He called Nino a perfidious traitor and a foolish viper, and an imbecile and the son of an imbecile.
The Devourers|Annie Vivanti Chartres

British Dictionary definitions for viper

viper

/ (ˈvaɪpə) /

noun

any venomous Old World snake of the family Viperidae, esp any of the genus Vipera (the adder and related forms), having hollow fangs in the upper jaw that are used to inject venom

any of various other snakes, such as the horned viper

See pit viper

a malicious or treacherous person

Derived forms of viper

viper-like, adjective

Word Origin for viper

C16: from Latin vīpera, perhaps from vīvus living + parere to bear, referring to a tradition that the viper was viviparous

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

viper

Idioms about viper

Origin of viper

OTHER WORDS FROM viper

Words nearby viper

Words related to viper

How to use viper in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for viper

Derived forms of viper

Word Origin for viper