Toxic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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toxic

[ˈtɒksɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

environmental

Poisonous or harmful to living organisms; relating to or caused by a poison.

Synonyms

dangerous, harmful, poisonous, polluting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
toxic	This word is often used to describe something that is poisonous, especially chemicals, substances, and even relationships or environments that are harmful to people's health or well-being. The factory was closed due to toxic waste leakage. Their toxic relationship made her constantly anxious.
poisonous	This word specifically means containing or having the properties of poison and can be used for substances, animals, or plants. Be careful, those mushrooms are poisonous. The bite of the snake is poisonous.
harmful	This is suitable for describing something that can cause damage or injury to people, animals, or the environment in a broad sense. Smoking is harmful to your health. The chemicals in this product could be harmful to marine life.
dangerous	Use this when referring to situations or things that can cause harm or pose a threat to safety. Driving without a seatbelt is extremely dangerous. The mountain climbing trip turned dangerous due to a sudden storm.
polluting	Use this in the context of environmental degradation, when referring to substances or activities that contaminate the air, water, or soil. The factory was fined for polluting the river. Car emissions are polluting our city's air.

Examples of usage

The toxic waste was illegally dumped into the river, causing harm to the ecosystem.
The fumes from the factory were so toxic that residents had to evacuate the area.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

social

Extremely harmful or malicious in a pervasive or insidious way.

Synonyms

destructive, harmful, malicious, unhealthy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
toxic	Used to describe something that is highly damaging or poisonous, especially in regard to relationships, environments, or substances. The workplace environment became toxic due to constant backstabbing and gossip Certain chemicals in the water are highly toxic
harmful	Used to describe something that causes damage or injury, but not necessarily of a severe or long-term nature. Eating too much sugar can be harmful to your health Gossip can be harmful to a person's reputation
malicious	Used to describe someone's behavior or actions that are intended to harm someone else. This word usually has a negative connotation. He was arrested for his malicious actions of spreading false rumors about his colleague The malware was created with malicious intent to steal personal data
destructive	Used to describe something that causes great damage or destruction, whether physically or emotionally. The hurricane had a destructive impact on the town He has a destructive relationship with his parents, characterized by arguments and conflicts
unhealthy	Primarily used to describe something that is not good for physical or mental health. Eating junk food every day is unhealthy They have an unhealthy relationship, constantly arguing and mistrusting each other

Examples of usage

The toxic work environment was filled with gossip and backstabbing.
The toxic relationship had a negative impact on her mental health.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

Many substances considered toxic can disrupt biological processes, leading to serious health issues.
The toxicity of a substance is often determined by the dose; even common items like chocolate or caffeine can be poisonous in high amounts.
Toxicology is the study of chemicals and their effects on living organisms, focusing on identifying and managing harmful substances.

Psychology

The term 'toxic' is often used in psychology to describe unhealthy relationships that can harm mental well-being.
Toxic environments, whether at work or home, can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.
Identifying toxic behaviors in oneself or others can be the first step towards healthier interactions.

Pop Culture

'Toxic' is also the title of a hit song by Britney Spears, which uses the term to metaphorically describe a dangerous love affair.
In popular media, 'toxic' is often associated with thrillers or horror genres, where characters face extreme danger from harmful substances or relationships.
The term has been frequently used in discussions about environmental issues, such as toxic waste and its impact on communities.

Art and Literature

In literature, 'toxic' often symbolizes relationships that seem sweet but are actually harmful, reflecting complex human emotions.
Artists use the concept of toxicity to critique societal norms, environmental degradation, and interpersonal discord.
The motif of toxic substances can be found in various artworks as a cautionary tale against ignoring hidden dangers.

Origin of 'toxic'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Latin 'toxicum,' which means 'poison.'
In ancient times, poisons were often delivered via arrows, and the term reflects this method of harm.
The use of the word expanded in the late 19th century to include not only substances but also harmful environments and relationships.

The word 'toxic' originated from the Latin word 'toxicus', meaning 'poisoned' or 'imbued with poison'. In English, the term evolved to describe substances that are harmful or poisonous to living organisms. Over time, 'toxic' has also been used metaphorically to describe harmful or malicious behavior in social contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,811, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4813 earn
4814 expiration
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