deleterious

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Usage notes 1.3.2 Synonyms 1.3.3 Derived terms 1.3.4 Related terms

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Ancient Greek δηλητήριος (deleterios), from δηλέομαι (“‘to hurt, to damage’”).

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ˌdɛlɪˈtɪəriəs/, /ˌdɪlɪˈtɪəriəs/
• (US) IPA: /ˌdɛləˈtɪriəs/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -ɪəriəs

[edit] Adjective

deleterious (comparative more deleterious, superlative most deleterious)

1. harmful or hurtful, to physical, mental or moral health.

   a deleterious chemical

   • 1850, Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter - Chapter XV,

     Or might it suffice him, that every wholesome growth should be converted into something deleterious and malignant at his touch?

[edit] Usage notes

Often used in contexts of exasperation or ironic dramatization.

[edit] Synonyms

• (harmful): destructive, harmful, hurtful, injurious, noxious, pernicious

[edit] Derived terms

• deleteriously

[edit] Related terms

• delete
• deletion
• deletory