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Toxic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Toxic describes something harmful, poisonous, or damaging, whether physically, emotionally, or socially. It can refer to substances, relationships, or environments that negatively affect health or well-being.

toxic

/ˈtɑːksɪk/ /ˈtɒksɪk/

Definition:

Poisonous or harmful to living organisms, often causing damage or death.

Synonyms:

poisonous, noxious, harmful, deadly, venomous

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

harmless, beneficial

Common Collocations:

toxic waste, toxic relationship, toxic chemicals, toxic environment

Derivatives:

toxicity, toxically

Usage Tips:

Use "toxic" to describe substances or situations that are harmful physically or emotionally.

Common Phrases:

toxic shock syndrome, toxic masculinity, spill the tea (slang for revealing toxic gossip)

Etymology:

From Late Latin "toxicus," meaning poisoned, derived from Greek "toxikon," referring to arrows poisoned with venom.

Examples:

  • 1. The fumes from the factory are highly toxic.
  • 2. She left a toxic relationship for her mental health.
  • 3. Some plants become toxic if ingested in large quantities.
  • 4. The company was fined for dumping toxic waste illegally.

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