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

The air at the vast dump, in the west of Ghana’s capital Accra, is highly toxic.

From BBC

Jones' leadership style has been criticised in a book by former England scrum-half Danny Care, who claimed players were belittled and berated in a "toxic environment".

From BBC

This week the Health Secretary Wes Streeting decided he needed to act, ordering a review into PAs and AAs in England to resolve what he said had become a “toxic” row.

From BBC

The diplomat said methanol poisoning - where alcoholic drinks are contaminated with a toxic compound - is well-known among consulates and tourism operators.

From BBC

Occasionally, the ions also form toxic bromine gas.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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