viciouscircle

vicious circle n.

1. A situation in which the apparent solution of one problem in a chain of circumstances creates a new problem and increases the difficulty of solving the original problem. Also called vicious cycle.

2. A condition in which a disorder or disease gives rise to another that subsequently affects the first.

3. Logic. A fallacy in reasoning in which the premise is used to prove the conclusion, and the conclusion used to prove the premise.

  [Translation of New Latin circulus vitiōsus, circular argument : Medieval Latin circulus, circular argument + Latin vitiōsus, flawed, faulty.]

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