Pernicious
Having a harmful, destructive, or deadly effect, especially over a long period or in a subtle way.
adjectivePernicious
Having a harmful, destructive, or deadly effect, especially over a long period or in a subtle way.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a seemingly innocent seedling that slowly releases a hidden toxin into the soil, gradually weakening the entire garden bed without anyone noticing at first.
Sounds Like
PUR-nish-əs
Looks Like
poisonous (visual/semantic similarity)
Remember This
Pernicious describes effects or influences that are harmful over time, not necessarily immediate harm. It often appears in discussions of policies, ideas, diseases, or habits that quietly undermine well-being.
Other Forms
Connect With
harmful, deleterious, injurious, insidious, detrimental
Note
Not the same as obviously harmful or dangerous; pernicious harm is often subtle and accumulating. Also distinguish from synonyms like 'harmless' or 'benign'.