noxious
UK: ˈnɒkʃəs | US: ˈnɑːkʃəs
adj. harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant
adj. morally corrupt or offensive
noxious = nox<harm> + ious<adjective suffix>
- nox (from Latin noxa, meaning "harm" or "injury")
- ious (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, meaning "full of" or "characterized by")
Etymology Origin:
The word noxious traces back to Latin noxius, meaning "hurtful" or "injurious," derived from noxa (harm). It entered English in the late 15th century, retaining its core sense of physical or moral harm. The suffix -ious amplifies the root, emphasizing a strong negative quality. The logic is straightforward: nox (harm) + ious (full of) = "full of harm."
The factory released noxious fumes into the air.
Prolonged exposure to noxious chemicals can cause serious health issues.
His noxious behavior made him unwelcome in polite society.
The landfill was filled with noxious waste.
She avoided the noxious gossip spreading through the office.