toxic

[tok-sik]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, affected with, or caused by a toxin 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

1. Relating to or caused by a toxin.

2. Capable of causing injury or death, especially by chemical means; poisonous.

Other Word Forms

• toxically adverb
• hypertoxic adjective
• nontoxic adjective
• nontoxically adverb
• posttoxic adjective
• untoxic adjective
• untoxically 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

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

These mark the latest escalations in a nearly two-year war that has become increasingly toxic among Americans, particularly younger and more Democratic-leaning voters.

From Salon

But she recalled a "toxic culture" between the couple and said arguments were "becoming physical".

From BBC

Herbicides, another common technique for managing invasive grasses, are often expensive to purchase and can leave toxic chemicals in the environment after treatment.

From Los Angeles Times

"We have real concerns about the risk of people consuming potentially much more potent or more toxic substances than they might be expecting from consuming a herbal cannabis-based product," he added.

From BBC

The BBC understands there are also accusations of a toxic culture at the organisation, including allegations made by a disabled volunteer who says they received bullying WhatsApp messages from Mr Joell-Deshields.

From BBC

Related Words

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