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- Dictionaryin·sid·i·ous/inˈsidēəs/
adjective
- 1. proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects: "sexually transmitted diseases can be insidious and sometimes without symptoms"
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Jul 3, 2011 · The meaning of INSIDIOUS is having a gradual and cumulative effect : subtle. How to use insidious in a sentence. insidious, sinister, or pernicious?
INSIDIOUS definition: 1. (of something unpleasant or dangerous) gradually and secretly causing harm: 2. (of something…. Learn more.
If something is slowly and secretly causing harm, it's insidious — like the rumors no one seems to listen to until suddenly someone's reputation is ruined. Insidious is related to the Latin noun, īnsidiae meaning "ambush" which comes from the Latin verb, īnsidēre "to lie in wait for."
INSIDIOUS meaning: 1. (of something unpleasant or dangerous) gradually and secretly causing harm: 2. (of something…. Learn more.
The word insidious is used to describe something as being stealthy, treacherous, or operating in the shadows, as in He came up with an insidious plan to rob the jewelry store. Insidious is always associated with something negative, implying something is bad or is going to cause harm.
Something that is insidious is unpleasant or dangerous and develops gradually without being noticed. The changes are insidious, and will not produce a noticeable effect for 15 to 20 years. They focus on overt discrimination rather than insidious aspects of racism. Synonyms: stealthy, subtle, cunning, designing More Synonyms of insidious.
1. Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner: insidious rumors; an insidious disease. 2. Intended to entrap; treacherous: insidious misinformation. 3. Beguiling but harmful; alluring: insidious pleasures.
