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vicious circle definition

vicious circle

  1. a situation in which the solution of one problem gives rise to another, but the solution of this, or of other problems arising from it, brings back the first, often with greater involvement
    also vicious cycle
  2. a situation in which one disease or disorder results in another which in turn aggravates the first
  3. Logic
    1. an argument which is invalid because its conclusion rests on a premise which itself depends on the conclusion
    2. the definition of a word by another which is in turn defined by the first

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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