hazardous
HAZ-er-dus
/ˈhæzərdəs/
Involving risk or danger, particularly to health, physical safety, or the environment.
Specific to materials, conditions, or activities that pose genuine physical harm or toxic exposure.
The story behind the word. Derived from Arabic 'az-zahr' (the die used in gambling). Passed into Old French as 'hasard', referring to games of chance. Over time, taking chances took on the meaning of physical danger and unsafe conditions.
Word relationships
- perilous: Perilous carries a dramatic, severe tone of extreme mortal danger.
- dangerous: General everyday term, whereas hazardous is technical and standard in site regulation (e.g., HAZMAT).
- safe: Free from danger or risk of harm.
- harmless: Incapable of causing injury or damage.
Commonly confused with
- harmful: Harmful means causing damage; hazardous means containing inherent risk or potential harm.
Word family
- hazard (noun): A source of danger or risk.
- hazardously (adverb): In a dangerous or hazardous manner.
Collocations
- hazardous materials
- hazardous conditions
- hazardous waste
- potentially hazardous
Idioms & expressions
- at your own hazard
Example sentences
- "Workers wore specialized respirators while removing hazardous asbestos insulation from the demolition site." Site Safety
Memory hook
HAZARDOUS conditions are a HAZARD to your health. Rolling the dice on site safety.
When not to use
Avoid using for mild inconveniences; reserve for real safety risks.
Fun facts
- The acronym HAZMAT stands for 'Hazardous Materials' and is globally recognized on transport tanker trucks.
Related words
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