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The meaning of INSIDIOUS is having a gradual and cumulative effect : subtle. How to use insidious in a sentence. insidious, sinister, or pernicious?
adjective. uk / ɪnˈsɪd.i.əs / us / ɪnˈsɪd.i.əs / Add to word list. (of something unpleasant or dangerous) gradually and secretly causing harm: High blood pressure is an insidious condition which has few symptoms. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Dangerous and harmful. adverse conditions. adverse effect. adverse publicity.
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."
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.
INSIDIOUS meaning: 1. (of something unpleasant or dangerous) gradually and secretly causing harm: 2. (of something…. Learn more.
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. American English : insidious / ɪnˈsɪdiəs /
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.
