toxic
- 01 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“The factory was fined for dumping toxic waste into the local river.”
In context“The cleanup crew wore protective suits to prevent any contact with the toxic chemicals leaking from the overturned tanker.”
- 02 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.
Simple“She decided to leave her job because the office environment had become toxic.”
In context“Psychologists warn that staying in a toxic relationship can have long-term effects on a person's self-esteem and mental well-being.”
Antonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The doctor noticed the patient looked toxic and ordered immediate blood tests.”
In context“The infant appeared toxic upon admission, showing signs of respiratory distress and poor circulation that suggested a severe systemic infection.”
Usage toxic chemicals · toxic masculinity
“A Shropshire vicar played a key role in a new two-part BBC documentary featuring Welsh Hollywood actor Michael Sheen's investigation into toxic waste dumps.”
“We are left with the sense that competitive mountain climbing can be a toxic pursuit, especially when climbers try to attract sponsors by performing “extraordinary” feats, as Harila puts it.”
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.