Pernicious

Meanings

1. Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way
2. Deadly
3. Causing irreparable harm

Example Sentences

• "The pernicious effects of air pollution on children's lungs are well documented."
• "Caste discrimination is a pernicious social evil that reformers have fought for centuries."
• "The pernicious spread of fake news during elections threatens democratic processes."

Etymology

From Latin 'perniciosus' (destructive), from 'pernicies' (ruin, disaster), from 'per-' (completely) + 'nex' (violent death, murder). Related to 'internecine' (mutually destructive).

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