noxious
What does "noxious" mean?
"Noxious" describes something that is physically harmful, poisonous, or toxic. It is often used to describe substances like fumes, chemicals, or gases that have an immediate, unpleasant, and dangerous effect on living organisms. While it is primarily used for physical threats, it can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is morally corrupting or damaging to a society or relationship. It carries a heavy, serious tone and is usually reserved for situations where health or well-being is at risk.
"noxious" in conversation
At a construction site
Everyone, get out of the basement immediately!
Everyone, get out of the basement immediately!
What's going on?
What's going on?
There's a leak, and the fumes are becoming noxious.
There's a leak, and the fumes are becoming noxious.
Used here to indicate an immediate physical danger from chemical gases.
Discussing a toxic friendship
I think you need to distance yourself from Mark.
I think you need to distance yourself from Mark.
You really think he's that bad?
You really think he's that bad?
His influence on you is absolutely noxious.
His influence on you is absolutely noxious.
Shows the metaphorical use of the word to describe a harmful social influence.
"noxious" in a sentence
The factory released a cloud of noxious smoke into the air.
The factory released a cloud of noxious smoke into the air.
Avoid breathing in the noxious fumes from the cleaning chemicals.
Avoid breathing in the noxious fumes from the cleaning chemicals.
The dictator's noxious ideology poisoned the minds of the younger generation.
The dictator's noxious ideology poisoned the minds of the younger generation.
