Toxic

Definition

"Toxic" refers to something poisonous or harmful to living organisms, capable of causing illness or death when introduced into the body. It also describes an environment or relationship that is harmful, destructive, or emotionally damaging.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɑksɪk/
• Respelling: TOK-sik (with "TOK" rhyming with "lock" and "sik" as in "sick")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɒksɪk/
• Respelling: TOK-sik (similar to American English, with "TOK" rhyming with "sock" and "sik" like in "sick")

In both dialects, "toxic" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TOK." The difference lies in the pronunciation of the vowel in "TOK": in American English, it is more like the 'o' in "lock," while in British English, it's closer to the 'o' in "sock." The second syllable, "sik," is pronounced the same in both dialects.

Etymology

The word "toxic" comes from the Late Latin "toxicus," meaning "poisoned" or "imbued with poison," which is derived from the Greek "toxikon (pharmakon)" meaning "(poison) for use on arrows." The Greek "toxikon" comes from "toxon," meaning "bow."

Derivatives

1. Toxicity (noun)
2. Toxicological (adjective)
3. Toxicologist (noun)
4. Toxicosis (noun)
5. Nontoxic (adjective)

Synonyms

1. Poisonous
2. Harmful
3. Noxious

Antonyms

1. Nontoxic
2. Harmless
3. Beneficial

Usage

• As an adjective: "The chemical spill released toxic substances into the river," or "The discussion turned toxic, with personal attacks overshadowing rational debate."

Related Terms

• Detoxify: To remove toxic substances from a living organism.
• Antitoxin: An antibody that counteracts a toxin.
• Poison: A substance that is capable of causing the illness or death of a living organism when introduced or absorbed.

Detailed Definition

As an Adjective:

• Of, pertaining to, or caused by a toxin or poison: "They were exposed to toxic fumes from the fire."
• Acting as or having the effect of a poison; poisonous: "The plant is known for its toxic berries."
• Causing unpleasant feelings; harmful or malicious: "The toxic work environment led to high employee turnover."
• Relating to or being an asset that has lost so much value that it cannot be sold on the market: "The bank had to be bailed out due to its holdings of toxic assets."
• Describing relationships or environments that are damaging to one's mental, physical, or emotional health: "She decided to leave the toxic relationship for her own well-being."