Deleterious

Adjective

Definition: Causing harm or damage; harmful.

Synonyms: Detrimental, Damaging, Injurious, Harmful, Hurtful, Pernicious

Antonyms: Beneficial, Advantageous, Helpful

Examples:

Smoking is known to have deleterious effects on one's health.
The chemicals in the cleaning product had deleterious effects on the environment.

Mnemonics:

"Delete the de-leterious substances to avoid harm."

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "deleterious" comes from the Latin word "deleterius" which means "hurtful" or "noxious".

Historical Usage:

The term became widely used in scientific and medical contexts in the mid-19th century.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Deleterious effects"

Explanation:

Referring to the negative and harmful consequences or impacts that something can have.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "deleterious" with "delirious".

Explanation:

These two words have different meanings and spellings. "Deleterious" refers to something harmful, while "delirious" means being in a state of extreme excitement, confusion, or restlessness.