noisome
|noi-some|
/ˈnɔɪsəm/
causing disgust or harm
Etymology
'noisome' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'noysom', where 'noy' (from Old French 'nois') meant 'harm' or 'injury' (ultimately from Latin 'nocēre', meaning 'to hurt').
'noisome' changed from Middle English 'noysom' (meaning 'hurtful' or 'offensive') and eventually became the modern English word 'noisome', with a shift in primary sense toward 'offensive, foul-smelling'.
Initially, it meant 'harmful' or 'injurious', but over time it evolved into its current primary meaning of 'offensive, foul-smelling' (the 'harmful' sense is now archaic or secondary).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
offensive or disgusting, especially because of an unpleasant smell; foul-smelling.
The noisome odor from the compost heap made the whole yard unbearable.
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Adjective 2
harmful or noxious; injurious to health (archaic or less common sense).
Medieval writers sometimes described stagnant swamps as noisome places that bred disease.
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Last updated: 2025/12/21 13:57