View synonyms for toxic

toxic

[ tok-sik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

of, pertaining to, affected with, or caused by a toxin none or poison:
a toxic condition.
acting as or having the effect of a poison; poisonous:
a toxic drug.
causing unpleasant feelings; harmful or malicious: toxic criticism.
a toxic boyfriend who wanted complete control over her;
toxic criticism.
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

a toxic chemical or other substance.

toxic

/ ˈtɒksɪk /

adjective

of, relating to, or caused by a toxin or poison; poisonous
harmful or deadly
(of a financial asset) likely to cause significant loss to the holder

toxic

/ tŏk′sĭk /

Relating to or caused by a toxin.
Capable of causing injury or death, especially by chemical means; poisonous.

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Derived Forms

ˈtoxically, adverb

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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

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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

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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

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Example Sentences

Construction is time consuming, stressful and expensive in normal times, let alone in a disaster zone with toxic waste.

From Los Angeles Times

By dumping more toxic substances into the landfills, there’s a higher chance of chemicals leaking into groundwater or becoming part of airborne dust blowing into nearby communities.

From Los Angeles Times

A Tesla Cybertruck took an accidental swim in the Ventura Harbor on Monday, prompting a multi-agency response to carefully retrieve the electric vehicle from the water without sparking a toxic battery fire.

From Los Angeles Times

“And I hope this investigation is really one that has impact and will send a message that our department cannot continue with that toxic environment.”

From Los Angeles Times

Sodium cyanide is also highly soluble in water and it can react vigorously to produce the gas hydrogen cyanide - which is also toxic.

From BBC

Related Words

toxemic toxicant

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