C1adjective 2K

Toxic

UK /["/ˈtɒksɪk/"]/ US /["/ˈtɑːksɪk/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

containing poison; poisonous

Listen to definition

In simple words: something harmful or poison.

Examples

• **toxic chemicals/fumes/gases/substances**
• to dispose of **toxic waste**
• Many pesticides are **highly toxic**.
• This chemical is toxic to many forms of life.
• I felt trapped in this toxic relationship.
• The political situation is highly toxic.
• the toxic atmosphere that now exists in political life

Usage notes

Typically used to describe substances, relationships, or environments that are harmful. Avoid using in casual settings when discussing minor issues.

Grammar pattern

toxic + object

Memory hint

Think of 'toxic' as 'toxic waste' – something dangerous you want to avoid.

Collocations

• be
• prove
• stay
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• to
• be
• prove
• stay
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• to
• be
• prove
• stay
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• to

Synonyms

• poisonous
• dangerous
• harmful
• noxious
• venomous

Antonyms

• wholesome
• harmless
• beneficial

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'tactile' which relates to touch.
• Using 'toxic' to describe something mildly annoying, instead of harmful.
• Mispronouncing as 'toxick' instead of 'tok-sik'.