toxic
UK: ˈtɒksɪk | US: ˈtɑːksɪk
adj. poisonous or harmful to living organisms
adj. (figuratively) extremely unpleasant or damaging
adj. (colloquial) describing a person or environment characterized by negativity or hostility
toxic = tox<poison> + ic<adjective suffix>
- tox (from Greek toxikon, originally "poison for arrows," derived from toxon "bow")
- ic (adjective-forming suffix, from Latin -icus, indicating "pertaining to")
Etymology Origin:
The word toxic traces back to ancient Greek warfare, where toxikon referred to poison smeared on arrows. Over time, it evolved into Latin toxicum (poison) and later French toxique, retaining its core meaning of "poisonous." The modern sense expanded metaphorically to describe harmful behaviors or environments, reflecting its original lethal connotation.
The factory was fined for dumping toxic waste into the river.
Their relationship became toxic after years of constant arguments.
Some plants produce toxic chemicals to deter herbivores.
Social media can sometimes foster a toxic atmosphere of comparison.
The air near the volcano was thick with toxic gases.