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toxic

adj.
US //ˈtɑksɪk// UK //tˈɒksɪk// tox·ic
  1. 1 poisonous (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    containing poison or being very harmful to your health if you touch or eat it.

    containing or being a poisonous substance that is harmful or lethal if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed.

    Example

    The factory was fined for dumping toxic waste into the local river.

    Example

    The cleanup crew wore protective suits to prevent any contact with the toxic chemicals leaking from the overturned tanker.
  2. 2 harmful relationships (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing a person or situation that is very unpleasant and causes a lot of unhappiness.

    metaphorically describing a person, relationship, or workplace culture that is psychologically harmful or destructive.

    Example

    She decided to leave her job because the office environment had become toxic.

    Example

    Psychologists warn that staying in a toxic relationship can have long-term effects on a person's self-esteem and mental well-being.
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  1. 3 grossly unwell (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    appearing very sick, especially when a person's whole body is struggling to work.

    appearing clinically unwell, often indicating a systemic infection or a life-threatening compromise of vital systems.

    Example

    The doctor noticed the patient looked toxic and ordered immediate blood tests.

    Example

    The infant appeared toxic upon admission, showing signs of respiratory distress and poor circulation that suggested a severe systemic infection.
Origin

Borrowed from French toxique, from Late Latin toxicus (“poisoned”), from Latin toxicum (“poison”), from Ancient Greek τοξικόν (toxikón) [φάρμακον (phármakon)] ("poison for use on arrows"), from τοξικός (toxikós, “pertaining to arrows or archery”), from τόξον (tóxon, “bow”).

Word family

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