toxic

American  

[tok-sik] / ˈtɒk sɪk /

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, affected with, or caused by a toxin or poison.

   a toxic condition.

2. acting as or having the effect of a poison; poisonous.

   a toxic drug.

3. causing unpleasant feelings; harmful or malicious: toxic criticism.

   a toxic boyfriend who wanted complete control over her;

   toxic criticism.

4. 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.

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noun

1. a toxic chemical or other substance.

toxic British  

/ ˈtɒksɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or caused by a toxin or poison; poisonous

2. harmful or deadly

3. (of a financial asset) likely to cause significant loss to the holder

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toxic Scientific  

/ tŏk′sĭk /

1. Relating to or caused by a toxin.

2. Capable of causing injury or death, especially by chemical means; poisonous.

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Other Word Forms

• hypertoxic adjective
• nontoxic adjective
• nontoxically adverb
• posttoxic adjective
• toxically adverb
• untoxic adjective
• untoxically adverb

Etymology

Origin of toxic

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

Example Sentences

The insurance department contends the complaint process has resulted in the reversal of claim denials, increased payouts and agreements in individual cases to test for the toxic residues of wildfire smoke.

From Los Angeles Times

It rightly seems important to treat your children equally and not be pulled into a toxic relationship with your ex that you did not sign up for.

From MarketWatch

Informal recycling is rife with hazards -- open burning, acid baths and unprotected dismantling expose workers to toxic fumes and contaminate soil and water.

From Barron's

Speaking to Morning Live, Daniel Murrell-Williamson from Essex, said he spent two months as a 17-year-old using a cream he did not know contained toxic and illegal ingredients.

From BBC

I guess I mean the whole trajectory, having to play the fictional couple that’s so toxic as you’re starting a relationship.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deadly
• harmful
• lethal
• noxious
• pernicious
• virulent