corrosive
adj.adj. describing a substance that can damage or destroy things like metal or skin through a chemical reaction. It can also describe something that slowly ruins a relationship or a person's mood.
adj. having the power to cause the gradual destruction of a substance by chemical action. In a figurative sense, it describes influences that are harmful or destructive to social or emotional structures.
The corrosive acid quickly ate through the metal pipe.
Workers must wear protective gloves when handling corrosive cleaning agents to prevent chemical burns.
The corrosive atmosphere of the workplace, marked by constant suspicion and backbiting, eventually led to the resignation of the entire creative team.
From Old French corrosif.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Often used figuratively to describe social or psychological decay; typically precedes the noun it modifies.
Last updated May 8, 2026