Toxic Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈtɒksɪk/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Harmful, poisonous, or Causes health problems or death; extremely bad or unpleasant.

Examples

• The toxic chemicals in the plant can cause skin irritation.
• The relationship has become toxic and is affecting my mental health.

Synonyms

• Poisonous
• Hazardous

Antonyms

• Safe
• Healthy

Additional Information

Toxic substances can be found in various forms, including chemicals, gases, and biological agents. Prolonged exposure to toxic materials can lead to serious health problems or even death. In a broader sense, the term “toxic” can also describe a harmful or destructive relationship, environment, or situation that can cause emotional or psychological distress.

In recent years, the term “toxic” has been increasingly used to describe online communities or social media platforms that foster harmful or hateful behavior. This usage highlights the need for responsible digital citizenship and the importance of creating safe and respectful online environments.

Etymology

The word “toxic” originates from the Greek word “toxikos,” meaning “poisonous” or “arrow poison.” It has been used in the English language since the 17th century to describe substances that can cause harm or death.

Usage Notes

The term “toxic” is often used in scientific and medical contexts to describe hazardous substances or environments. However, its usage has expanded to include figurative senses, such as describing a toxic relationship or a toxic work environment.

Cultural References

The term “toxic” has been featured in popular culture, including in songs like “Toxic” by Britney Spears and “Toxicity” by System of a Down. It has also been used in films and television shows to describe harmful or destructive relationships or environments.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Toxic wasteland
• Toxic relationship

Related Words or Phrases

• Poisonous
• Hazardous
• Dangerous

Collocations

• Toxic chemicals
• Toxic gas
• Toxic environment

Frequency of Use

The term “toxic” has become increasingly frequent in modern language, particularly in online contexts and social media platforms.

Common Misspellings

• Toksic
• Toxik
• Toxix