Hazardous: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：dangerous (hazardous)

hazardous 🔊

/ˈhæzərdəs/

adj.

Involving risk or danger, and likely to cause harm to people's health or safety.

Hazardous chemical beaker with warning symbol in lab

dangerous 🔊

➕

/ˈdeɪndʒərəs/

adj.

Describes something that involves risk or danger and can cause harm to people's health or safety.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'hazard' (risk) + suffix '-ous' (full of), meaning full of risk.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'hazard' sign: anything labeled hazardous is full of hazard.

📖 Example

Before starting the experiment, the teacher reminded everyone to wear gloves because the chemicals were hazardous. 🔊 Before starting the experiment, the teacher reminded everyone to wear gloves because the chemicals were hazardous.

🔗 Collocations

hazardous waste – Waste that poses a substantial or potential threat to public health or the environment

hazardous materials – Substances that are flammable, corrosive, toxic, or otherwise dangerous

hazardous conditions – Situations or environments that are unsafe and may cause injury or damage

🔄 Synonyms

dangerous (adj.) – Likely to cause harm or injury; not safe

risky (adj.) – Involving the possibility of loss, injury, or other adverse outcome

perilous (adj.) – Full of danger or risk; hazardous

🚫 Antonyms

safe (adj.) – Free from harm or risk; not dangerous

secure (adj.) – Protected against danger or loss; safe

harmless (adj.) – Not likely to cause harm or injury

🌱 Derivatives

hazard (n.) – A source of danger; a risk

hazardously (adv.) – In a dangerous or risky manner

hazardousness (n.) – The quality of being dangerous or risky

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old French 'hasard' (a game of dice), later adopted into English meaning chance or peril, reflecting the unpredictable nature of gambling.