Meaning & Definition of Pernicious in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Having a harmful effect, often in a way that is not easily noticed.

  Example Sentence: The pernicious weed spread throughout the garden, choking the life out of the flowers.

• Definition: Causing insidious harm or ruin; ruinous; injurious.

  Example Sentence: The pernicious influence of gossip in the workplace can lead to a toxic environment.

Etymology

Origin: Late Latin perniciosus, from pernicies (destruction, ruin)

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• pernicious influence: a harmful effect that is subtle and often unnoticed
• pernicious effects: negative consequences that develop gradually and insidiously

Translations

• Spanish: pernicioso

• French: pernicieux

• German: verderblich

• Russian: разрушительный

Related Words

• venomous: capable of inflicting harm or causing injury, especially through poison

• insidious: proceeding in a gradual, subtle way but with harmful effects

Slang Meanings of pernicious

• Meaning: dangerous vibe

  Example Sentence: That guy has a pernicious vibe; I wouldn’t trust him.

• Meaning: toxic behavior

  Example Sentence: Her pernicious behavior is driving everyone away.