toxic

comparative more toxic · superlative most toxic

1. medicineHaving a chemical nature that is harmful to health or lethal if consumed or otherwise entering into the body in sufficient quantities.

   Tobacco smoke contains many toxic substances.

   1 more example

   If some types of electronic waste aren’t incinerated at a high enough temperature, dioxins, which can cause cancer and developmental problems, infiltrate the food supply. Without proper safeguarding, toxic heavy metals seep into the soil and groundwater.

   2019 December 8, Hannah Beech, Ryn Jirenuwat, “The Price of Recycling Old Laptops: Toxic Fumes in Thailand’s Lungs”, in New York Times

   Synonyms: poisonous, venomous

2. medicineAppearing grossly unwell; characterised by serious, potentially life-threatening compromise in the respiratory, circulatory or other body systems.

   The child appeared toxic on arrival at the hospital.

3. figurativelySeverely negative or harmful.

   a toxic environment that promoted bullying

4. figurativelyOf a person, hateful or strongly antipathetic.

   It is not good to be around toxic people.

   3 more examples

   Though Twitter is still overrun with toxic anger and fear-based nonsense (now more than ever), it is also, in one crucial way, beginning to play an important role in our response to the pandemic.

   2020 April 23, Cal Newport, “'Expert Twitter' Only Goes So Far. Bring Back Blogs”, in Wired

   A veteran UN diplomat, Kaag, 62, said the environment for politicians in the Netherlands had become “toxic” as she and colleagues faced a continual barrage of “hate, intimidation and threats” and often needed tight police security.

   2024 April 29, Jon Henley, “Surreal claims, lawfare and abuse: toxic politics in Spain reflect the new Europe”, in The Guardian, →ISSN

   “I’m sorry for taking part in the toxic politics … put down the knives, be kind to one another … I never wanted to cause any harm,” [Marjorie Taylor] Greene said.

   2025 November 16, Joanna Walters, quoting Marjorie Taylor Greene, “Marjorie Taylor Greene says Trump’s remarks hurtful but hopes they can make up”, in The Guardian, →ISSN