Toxic: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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