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English

toxically

|tox-ic-al-ly|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˈtɑksɪkli/

🇬🇧

/ˈtɒksɪkli/

(toxic)

poisonous or harmful

Base FormPluralNounAdverb
toxictoxicitiestoxicitytoxically
Etymology
Etymology Information

'toxically' originates from English, specifically the adjective 'toxic', where 'toxic' meant 'poisonous or harmful'.

Historical Evolution

'toxic' entered English from Late Latin 'toxicus' and Latin 'toxicum', which in turn came from Greek 'toxikon (pharmakon)'; the Greek root 'toxon' originally meant 'bow' and 'toxikon' came to mean 'poison for arrows.' Over time the form developed into the modern English 'toxic' and then the adverb 'toxically'.

Meaning Changes

Initially it referred narrowly to poisons (especially arrow-poisons); over time it broadened to mean 'poisonous' or generally 'harmful', and later extended figuratively to describe harmful behavior or environments—hence 'toxically' meaning 'in a harmful/poisonous way'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a poisonous or chemically harmful manner; causing physical poisoning or contamination.

The plant leaked waste and toxically contaminated the nearby creek.

Synonyms

poisonouslyharmfullycontaminatingly

Antonyms

Adverb 2

figuratively: in a damaging or destructive way toward people, relationships, or environments (emotionally or socially harmful).

He spoke toxically to his team, undermining trust and morale.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/10/25 15:27