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Toxic means something is bad for your body. It is like poison. If you touch something toxic, you can get sick. Do not touch toxic things.
A toxic substance is dangerous. If you eat or drink it, you will get very ill. We also use this word for people who are mean or make you feel sad.
The word toxic describes something poisonous. In modern English, we use it to talk about relationships. A toxic friendship is one where someone is always negative or unkind to you.
Toxic is a versatile adjective. It describes chemical hazards in industrial contexts, but it is frequently used to describe toxic environments. It suggests a slow, damaging effect on your health or well-being.
Beyond physical toxicity, the term has become a staple in psychological discourse. It describes toxic patterns of behavior that are difficult to break. It implies that the subject is not just unpleasant, but actively destructive to those around them.
Etymologically, the term bridges the gap between ancient warfare and modern sociology. Its usage has shifted from the literal 'toxikon' of Greek antiquity to a ubiquitous descriptor for systemic dysfunction in corporate, social, and political spheres.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Means poisonous
- Used for behavior
- Very common word
- Adjective form
When you hear the word toxic, think of something that acts like a poison. Literally, it refers to chemicals or substances that are dangerous to our health.
However, you will often hear people use it to describe toxic relationships or a toxic work environment. In these cases, it means the situation is unhealthy and slowly hurts your happiness or mental peace.
The word toxic comes from the Greek word toxikon, which actually meant 'poison for arrows.' Ancient hunters would dip their arrowheads in venom to make them more effective.
Over time, the word evolved through Latin into the English language. It moved from describing physical arrow poison to any substance that causes harm to the body, and eventually, to the metaphorical 'poison' we see in modern social behavior.
You can use toxic in both scientific and casual settings. In science, you might say 'toxic waste' or 'toxic fumes.' In daily life, it is very common to hear 'toxic behavior' or 'toxic friend.'
It is a strong word, so use it carefully. Calling someone 'toxic' is a serious criticism of their character or the way they treat others.
While 'toxic' is often used as a standalone adjective, it appears in many modern phrases.
- Toxic masculinity: Cultural norms that pressure men to act in harmful ways.
- Toxic positivity: The belief that one should maintain a positive mindset even in tragic situations.
- Toxic asset: A financial term for an investment that is hard to sell.
- Toxic spill: A literal release of dangerous chemicals.
- Clear the toxicity: Removing negative influences from your life.
Toxic is an adjective, so it usually comes before a noun (e.g., 'a toxic person') or after a linking verb (e.g., 'the situation is toxic').
The IPA is /ˈtɒksɪk/ in British English and /ˈtɑːksɪk/ in American English. It rhymes with frolic and colic. Remember to stress the first syllable!
Wusstest du?
The word is linked to the Greek 'toxon' (bow).
Aussprachehilfe
Short 'o' sound
Long 'a' sound
Häufige Fehler
- Mispronouncing the 'x' as 'ks' vs 'gz'
- Stressing the second syllable
Reimt sich auf
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy
Easy
Easy
Easy
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Adjective usage
The toxic chemical.
Beispiele nach Niveau
The chemical is toxic.
chemical = substance
Adjective after verb.
Do not touch the toxic waste.
That plant is toxic to cats.
He is a toxic person.
The air was toxic.
It is a toxic relationship.
Avoid toxic chemicals.
She left the toxic environment.
The fumes are toxic.
His behavior is very toxic.
We need to remove toxic people from our lives.
The lake is full of toxic chemicals.
She realized she was in a toxic workplace.
Don't let his toxic attitude ruin your day.
The company culture was described as toxic.
Toxic waste is a major problem.
I need a break from this toxic situation.
The manager created a toxic atmosphere in the office.
She struggled to overcome the effects of a toxic childhood.
The debate became increasingly toxic.
We must address the toxic legacy of the factory.
He finally walked away from his toxic marriage.
The media often promotes a toxic image of beauty.
There is a toxic amount of stress in this job.
The soil is contaminated with toxic metals.
The candidate's rhetoric was highly toxic to the democratic process.
She identified several toxic patterns in her family dynamics.
The company faced a lawsuit over toxic waste disposal.
He was accused of fostering a toxic work environment.
The relationship had become emotionally toxic.
They are trying to detoxify the toxic waste site.
The toxic spill caused irreparable damage to the ecosystem.
His comments were a toxic mix of lies and insults.
The toxic interplay between the two rivals destroyed the project.
She wrote a memoir about surviving a toxic upbringing.
The toxic nature of the industry makes it difficult for newcomers.
He was forced to resign due to his toxic influence on the team.
The toxic fumes were trapped in the basement.
They are working to mitigate the toxic effects of the chemical.
The societal shift toward digital connection has created a toxic paradox.
Her toxic ambition eventually led to her downfall.
Häufige Kollokationen
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"toxic positivity"
Forcing happiness
Toxic positivity can make people feel worse.
casualLeicht verwechselbar
Noun vs Adjective
Toxin is the poison, toxic is the description.
The toxin is toxic.
Satzmuster
Subject + is + toxic
The water is toxic.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
8/10
Förmlichkeitsskala
Tipps
When to use
Use for things that cause harm over time.
Grammar rule
It is an adjective, use 'is' or 'are' before it.
Did you know?
It comes from archery!
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Toxic = T-OXIC (Think of an OX that is sick)
Visuelle Assoziation
A bright yellow warning sign with a skull.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Identify one 'toxic' habit you want to stop.
Wortherkunft
Greek
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Arrow poison
Kultureller Kontext
Can be an inflammatory label for people.
Used heavily in therapy and self-help culture.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Work
- toxic environment
- toxic culture
- toxic boss
Gesprächseinstiege
"Have you ever worked in a toxic environment?"
"How do you handle toxic people?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Write about a time you avoided a toxic situation.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
2 FragenYes, it implies damage or harm.
Yes, it means they are emotionally harmful.
Teste dich selbst
The ___ waste is dangerous.
Toxic means dangerous/poisonous.
Which is a toxic situation?
A mean boss creates a harmful environment.
Toxic only refers to chemicals.
It also refers to behavior.
Word
Bedeutung
They are synonyms.
Subject + verb + adverb + adjective.
Ergebnis: /5
Summary
Toxic describes anything that causes harm, whether it's a chemical or a person's behavior.
- Means poisonous
- Used for behavior
- Very common word
- Adjective form
When to use
Use for things that cause harm over time.
Grammar rule
It is an adjective, use 'is' or 'are' before it.
Did you know?
It comes from archery!
Beispiel
Avoid drinking anything that is labeled toxic.
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"Avoid drinking anything that is labeled toxic."
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