Definition
A defect in character characterized by persistent nastiness, viciousness, or malevolence.
In Context
- ""He's worse than mischievous," Mr. Lane assured her sourly. "There's a mean streak in that family.""
- "The film's considerable taste for graphic, noisy violence becomes clear during this tumultuous opening. So does its mean streak, as the Colonel delivers outrageous insults to one and all."
- "England’s combative coach . . . wants aggression, a touch of the outlaw, a mean streak."