Definition of vice

The word "vice" has a rich history. It originated from the Latin word "vice" meaning "place of" or "in the place of". In the 14th century, the term "vice" referred to a substitute or an alternate. Over time, its meaning shifted to describe a personification of a negative trait, such as cruelty, wrath, or envy. A "vice" became a personification of a habit or practice considered morally wrong or harmful. In the 17th century, the term "vice" gained a new meaning, referring to a mechanical device used to hold or press something in place. This usage is thought to have originated from the idea of a substitute or a replacement holding something firm. Today, we use the word "vice" in various contexts, from moral and personal struggles to physical devices and tools. Despite its multiple meanings, the core idea of "vice" remains centered around a relational or substitute concept.