toxic

[ tok-sik ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, affected with, or caused by a toxin none or poison:

   a toxic condition.

2. acting as or having the effect of a poison; poisonous:

   a toxic drug.

3. causing unpleasant feelings; harmful or malicious: toxic criticism.

   a toxic boyfriend who wanted complete control over her;

   toxic criticism.

4. Finance.
   1. pertaining to or noting debt that will probably not be repaid:

      toxic mortgages.

   2. pertaining to or noting a financial instrument or other asset that has no value or an unknown value because there is no market for it:

      toxic mortgage-backed securities.

noun

1. a toxic chemical or other substance.

toxic

/ ˈtɒksɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or caused by a toxin or poison; poisonous
2. harmful or deadly
3. (of a financial asset) likely to cause significant loss to the holder

toxic

/ tŏk′sĭk /

1. Relating to or caused by a toxin.
2. Capable of causing injury or death, especially by chemical means; poisonous.

Derived Forms

• ˈtoxically, adverb

Other Words From

• tox·i·cal·ly adverb
• hy·per·tox·ic adjective
• non·tox·ic adjective
• non·tox·i·cal·ly adverb
• post·tox·ic adjective
• un·tox·ic adjective
• un·tox·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of toxic¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from Late Latin toxicus “poisonous,” derivative of toxicum “poison,” from Greek toxikón (for toxikòn phármakon literally, “bow poison,” i.e., poison used on arrows), equivalent to tóx(on) “bow” + -ikon, neuter of -ikos adjective suffix; -ic none

Word History and Origins

Origin of toxic¹

C17: from medical Latin toxicus, from Latin toxicum poison, from Greek toxikon ( pharmakon ) (poison) used on arrows, from toxon arrow

Example Sentences

Ana said the culture Foden created at Ysgol Friars was "suppressive, toxic, fearsome and bullying".

From BBC

British newspaper group the Guardian has announced it will no longer post on X, formerly Twitter, saying it has become a "a toxic media platform".

From BBC

To talk about "boycotting" men has a lot of value, even if women ultimately don't do it, first and foremost because it helps women question toxic assumptions they were raised to believe.

From Salon

Several northern states have been experiencing toxic air and poor visibility over the past few weeks.

From BBC

The toxic air is also impacting people's health.

From BBC

Related Words

• deadly
• harmful
• lethal
• noxious
• pernicious
• virulent