adjective

pernicious

pernicious, harmful, damaging

The book discusses the pernicious effects of racism.

The book discusses the pernicious effects of racism.

He had a pernicious influence on the child.

He had a pernicious influence on the child.

a pernicious ((noun)) a pernicious (noun) It was a pernicious rumour.

((noun)) is pernicious (noun) is pernicious Their influence is pernicious.

Synonyms: harmful, damaging, destructive, malicious; Antonyms: beneficial, harmless, benign

From Latin 'per-' (thoroughly, to destruction) + 'nex' (violent death). Meaning thoroughly destructive.

It sounds like 'perish'. A pernicious influence can make your hopes or health perish.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.