Question

it was a monstrous, a scandalous thing that the police should take such idle, malicious gossip seriously.
source: mortal coils
in the sentence above, malicious has the same or almost the same meaning as:
ridiculous
hidden
widespread
hurtful

Explanation:

"Malicious" means having or showing a desire to cause harm or suffering. "Hurtful" also implies causing pain or distress, which is similar in meaning. "Ridiculous" means absurd, "hidden" means concealed, and "widespread" means occurring over a large area.

Answer:

D. hurtful