harmful

UK: ˈhɑːmfl̩ | US: ˈhɑːrmfl̩

Definition

  1. adj. causing or capable of causing harm

  2. adj. having a detrimental effect

Structure
harm <injury, damage>ful <full of, characterized by>
Etymology

The word "harmful" combines the Old English root "harm," meaning injury or damage, with the suffix "-ful," derived from Old English "-full," meaning "full of." This construction follows a common pattern in English where "-ful" is added to nouns to form adjectives indicating abundance or possession of a quality. The logic is straightforward: "harmful" literally means "full of harm," reflecting its modern sense of causing damage or negative effects.

Examples

  1. Smoking is harmful to your health.

  2. The chemical spill had harmful effects on the local ecosystem.

  3. Excessive screen time can be harmful to children's development.

  4. The doctor warned against the harmful side effects of the medication.

  5. Plastic waste is harmful to marine life.