pernicious

Definition

Causing much harm in a subtle way.

Etymology

From Middle English, from Old French pernicios, from Latin perniciōsus (“destructive”), from perniciēs (“destruction”), from per (“through”) + nex (“slaughter, death”).

Example Sentences

• "pernicious influence"
• "pernicious effects"
• "They warned of the pernicious effects of misinformation."