Pernicious: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'perniciosus', which means 'destructive', derived from 'pernicies', meaning 'loss' or 'ruin'.
• It was first used in English in the 15th century, showing a long history of describing harmful things.
• Many words in English hint at harm, and 'pernicious' often emphasizes that the harm is subtle or deceptive.

Psychology

• Studies show that pernicious habits can develop subtly over time, often unnoticed until they become serious issues.
• In psychological terms, pernicious influences like toxic relationships can lead to long-term emotional damage.
• The term has been applied to toxic behaviors in social interactions, highlighting how they negatively impact mental health.

Literature

• Many classic novels explore themes of pernicious influences, whether in characters or societal norms that appear benign but cause great harm.
• Shakespeare used the term to describe the vile effects of ambition and deception in plays like 'Macbeth'.
• Contemporary literature often addresses pernicious societal issues, shedding light on injustices disguised as normal behavior.

Health

• In medical contexts, pernicious anemia is a serious but subtly developing condition that affects the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12.
• Pernicious substances such as certain pesticides have been shown to have long-lasting effects on human health and the environment.
• Understanding pernicious health risks is vital in preventing diseases that might not show symptoms until it’s too late.

Pop Culture

• In many films, the protagonist faces a pernicious enemy who seems harmless but gradually undermines their success.
• Music often explores themes of pernicious love, where relationships that seem sweet turn surprisingly toxic.
• Popular shows discuss pernicious societal norms that shape behavior and beliefs in harmful ways, inviting viewers to question their reality.

Ranked #11,263, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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• 11260 contacting
• 11261 delusion
• 11262 commensurate
• 11263 pernicious
• 11264 obscurity
• 11265 laughs
• 11266 ideally
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