How to remove the "Oxford Dictionary" adware-type browser extension?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What is "Oxford Dictionary"?
"Oxford Dictionary" is a rogue browser extension promoted as an easy access tool to the online version of the Oxford dictionary. However, it operates as adware.
In other words, this piece of software delivers various intrusive advertisements. Additionally, this "Oxford Dictionary" extension has data tracking abilities that are employed to spy on users' browsing habits.
Due to the dubious methods used to distribute adware-type products, they are also classified as PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).
"Oxford Dictionary" adware in detail
Adware enables the placement of third-party graphical content on any visited website and/or different interfaces. This software delivers pop-ups, surveys, banners, coupons, and other intrusive adverts.
These ads severely cripple the browsing experience by overlaying webpage content and slowing down the browsing speed. They endorse various sale-oriented, unreliable, misleading, untrustworthy, deceptive/scam, compromised, and malicious sites.
Furthermore, intrusive advertisements can be triggered (by being clicked) to execute scripts to download/install software (e.g., PUAs) without user consent.
Adware usually has data tracking functionalities, and "Oxford Dictionary" is not an exception to this. Targeted information includes: visited URLs, viewed pages, searched queries, IP addresses/ geolocations, personally identifiable details, and so on.
The collected data is then monetized by being shared with and/or sold to third-parties, likewise intent on misusing it for financial gain.
To summarize, the presence of unwanted software on devices can lead to system infections, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft. Therefore, it is strongly advised to remove all suspect applications and browser extensions/plug-ins immediately upon detection.
| Name | Ads by Oxford Dictionary |
| Threat Type | Adware, Unwanted ads, Pop-up Virus |
| Browser Extension(s) | Oxford Dictionary |
| Supposed Functionality | Easy access to the Oxford dictionary |
| Symptoms | Seeing advertisements not originating from the sites you are browsing. Intrusive pop-up ads. Decreased Internet browsing speed. |
| Distribution Methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), fake Flash Player installers. |
| Damage | Decreased computer performance, browser tracking - privacy issues, possible additional malware infections. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware in general
Ad Skip Now, Retina Defense, and Movies Hunt are a few examples of adware. This software appears legitimate and innocuous.
Adware also offers a wide variety of "handy" and "advantageous" features. However, despite how good the advertised functions may sound - they are rarely operational.
Most PUAs lure users into download/installation with nonoperational functionalities. The only goal of unwanted apps is to generate profit for the developers; hence, functionality and user safety are irrelevant.
PUAs are designed to run intrusive advert campaigns, force-open untrustworthy and malicious websites, hijack browsers, and collect private information.
How did "Oxford Dictionary" install on my computer?
Some PUAs (e.g., "Oxford Dictionary") have "official" promotional/download webpages. Intrusive advertisements are used to proliferate these applications as well. Once clicked on, the adverts can execute scripts to make stealthy downloads/installations.
PUAs are most commonly downloaded/installed together with other programs. This deceptive marketing technique of packing regular software products with unwanted or malicious additions - is termed "bundling". Rushed download/installation processes (e.g., ignored terms, skipped steps, used "Easy/Express" settings, etc.) increase the risk of unintentionally allowing bundled content into the system.
How to avoid installation of potentially unwanted applications?
It is important to research products before download/installation and/or purchase. Additionally, all downloads must be done from official and verified sources. Untrustworthy download channels, e.g., unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, and other third-party downloaders - often offer bundled and/or dangerous software/media.
When downloading/installing, it is recommended to read terms, study possible options, use the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opt-out from supplementary apps, tools, features, and so forth.
Intrusive adverts appear ordinary and harmless; however, they redirect to highly questionable sites (e.g., gambling, pornography, adult-dating, etc.).
In case of encounters with ads and/or redirects of this type, the system must be inspected and all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins detected - immediately removed from it. If your computer is already infected with "Oxford Dictionary", we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this adware.
Screenshot of the website used to promote Oxford Dictionary adware:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is "Oxford Dictionary"?
- STEP 1. Uninstall "Oxford Dictionary" application using Control Panel.
- STEP 2. Remove "Oxford Dictionary" ads from Google Chrome.
- STEP 3. Remove 'Ads by Oxford Dictionary' from Mozilla Firefox.
- STEP 4. Remove "Oxford Dictionary" extension from Safari.
- STEP 5. Remove rogue plug-ins from Microsoft Edge.
- STEP 6. Remove "Oxford Dictionary" adware from Internet Explorer.
"Oxford Dictionary" adware removal:
Windows 11 users:
Right-click on the Start icon, select Apps and Features. In the opened window search for the application you want to uninstall, after locating it, click on the three vertical dots and select Uninstall.
Windows 10 users:
Right-click in the lower left corner of the screen, in the Quick Access Menu select Control Panel. In the opened window choose Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users:
Click Start (Windows Logo at the bottom left corner of your desktop), choose Control Panel. Locate Programs and click Uninstall a program.
macOS (OSX) users:
Click Finder, in the opened screen select Applications. Drag the app from the Applications folder to the Trash (located in your Dock), then right click the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
In the uninstall programs window, look for "Oxford Dictionary", select this entry and click "Uninstall" or "Remove".
After uninstalling the potentially unwanted application (which causes "Oxford Dictionary" ads), scan your computer for any remaining unwanted components or possible malware infections. To scan your computer, use recommended malware removal software.
Remove "Oxford Dictionary" adware from Internet browsers:
Video showing how to remove potentially unwanted browser add-ons:
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon 
(at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More tools" and click "Extensions". Locate "Oxford Dictionary", select this entry and click the trash can icon.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by oxford dictionary, reset your Google Chrome browser settings. Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome) and select Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Click the Advanced… link.
After scrolling to the bottom of the screen, click the Reset (Restore settings to their original defaults) button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Google Chrome settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Remove malicious plugins from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu 
(at the top right corner of the main window), select "Add-ons". Click "Extensions", in the opened window, remove "Oxford Dictionary".
Optional method:
Computer users who have problems with ads by oxford dictionary removal can reset their Mozilla Firefox settings.
Open Mozilla Firefox, at the top right corner of the main window, click the Firefox menu, in the opened menu, click Help.
Select Troubleshooting Information.
In the opened window, click the Refresh Firefox button.
In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Mozilla Firefox settings to default by clicking the Refresh Firefox button.
Remove malicious extensions from Safari:
Make sure your Safari browser is active, click Safari menu, and select Preferences....
In the opened window click Extensions, locate any recently installed suspicious extension, select it and click Uninstall.
Optional method:
Make sure your Safari browser is active and click on Safari menu. From the drop down menu select Clear History and Website Data...
In the opened window select all history and click the Clear History button.
Remove malicious extensions from Microsoft Edge:
Click the Edge menu icon 
(at the upper-right corner of Microsoft Edge), select "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious browser add-ons and click "Remove" below their names.
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by oxford dictionary, reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings. Click the Edge menu icon (at the top right corner of Microsoft Edge) and select Settings.
In the opened settings menu select Reset settings.
Select Restore settings to their default values. In the opened window, confirm that you wish to reset Microsoft Edge settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
- If this did not help, follow these alternative instructions explaining how to reset the Microsoft Edge browser.
Remove malicious add-ons from Internet Explorer:
Click the "gear" icon 
(at the top right corner of Internet Explorer), select "Manage Add-ons". Look for "Oxford Dictionary", select this entry and click "Remove".
Optional method:
If you continue to have problems with removal of the ads by oxford dictionary, reset your Internet Explorer settings to default.
Windows XP users: Click Start, click Run, in the opened window type inetcpl.cpl In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows Vista and Windows 7 users: Click the Windows logo, in the start search box type inetcpl.cpl and click enter. In the opened window click the Advanced tab, then click Reset.
Windows 8 users: Open Internet Explorer and click the gear icon. Select Internet Options.
In the opened window, select the Advanced tab.
Click the Reset button.
Confirm that you wish to reset Internet Explorer settings to default by clicking the Reset button.
Summary:
Commonly, adware or potentially unwanted applications infiltrate Internet browsers through free software downloads. Note that the safest source for downloading free software is via developers' websites only. To avoid installation of adware, be very attentive when downloading and installing free software. When installing previously-downloaded free programs, choose the custom or advanced installation options – this step will reveal any potentially unwanted applications listed for installation together with your chosen free program.
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