Harmful

Definition

Harmful is an adjective that describes something causing or capable of causing damage, injury, or adverse effects. It refers to actions, substances, or conditions that negatively impact physical, mental, or environmental well-being.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhɑːrmfəl/
• Respelling: HARM-fuhl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhɑːmfʊl/
• Respelling: HAAM-fuhl

Etymology

The word "harmful" originates from the Old English "hearm," meaning "injury" or "damage," combined with the suffix "-ful," indicating "full of" or "tending to." It has retained its meaning of causing harm through Middle and Modern English.

Derivatives

• Harmfully (adverb)
• Harmfulness (noun)
• Unharmful (adjective)
• Overharmful (adjective, rare)
• Non-harmful (adjective)

Synonyms

• Injurious
• Damaging
• Detrimental

Antonyms

• Beneficial
• Helpful
• Harmless

Usage

The term "harmful" is used to describe actions, conditions, or substances with negative consequences. For example, "Smoking is harmful to your health," or "The chemical spill had harmful effects on the environment."

Related Terms

• Dangerous: Capable of causing harm or injury.
• Toxic: Poisonous or harmful to living organisms.
• Destructive: Causing great damage or harm.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Causing or capable of causing damage or injury: Describes something that has a negative or destructive impact.
  • Example: "The virus is harmful to both humans and animals."
• Adverse to health or well-being: Refers to substances or behaviors that negatively affect physical or mental health.
  • Example: "Excessive screen time can be harmful to eyesight."
• Detrimental to the environment or ecosystem: Indicates actions or substances that disrupt or damage nature.
  • Example: "Plastic waste is harmful to marine life."