vice

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vice1 / vīs/ • n. immoral or wicked behavior. ∎  criminal activities involving prostitution, pornography, or drugs. ∎  an immoral or wicked personal characteristic. ∎  a weakness of character or behavior; a bad habit: cigars happen to be my father's vice.DERIVATIVES: vice·less adj.vice2 • n. British spelling of vise. vice3 / vīs; ˈvīsē; ˈvīsə/ • prep. as a substitute for: the letter was drafted by David Hunt, vice Bevin who was ill.vice4 (also vice-) • comb. form acting as deputy or substitute for; next in rank: vice regent vice-consul.

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