nocent

[ noh-suhnt ]

adjective

, Rare.

1. harmful; injurious:

   nocent chemical waste and other toxins.

2. guilty; not innocent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nocent¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin nocent-, stem of nocēns, present participle of nocēre “to harm, injure”; -ent

Example Sentences

Salvo cuique sua hreditas est, nulli nisi nocenti magistratus nocent.

From Project Gutenberg

Light stripes may suffice for quelling the less nocent dunces.

From Project Gutenberg

A court was established under an act of parliament in Dublin, to try the claims of 'nocent' and 'innocent' proprietors.

From Project Gutenberg

If the proportions of nocent and innocent were the same, an immense number of innocent persons were deprived of their property.

From Project Gutenberg

The judges, who were Englishmen, declared in their first session that 168 were innocent to 19 nocent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• adverse
• damaging
• destructive
• detrimental
• disadvantageous
• harmful
• insulting
• noxious
• pernicious
• poisonous
• prejudicial
• ruinous
• slanderous
• unhealthy