adjective

injurious

in-JOOR-ee-us/ɪnˈdʒʊriəs/

Causing harm or damage.

The exposed nail poses an injurious hazard to the approaching foot.

A sharp exposed nail sticks upward from a broken floorboard near a walking shoe, obvious hazard, no blood.

Etymology

inLatinnot

+jurLatinright, law

+iousLatinfull of, characterized by

The combination of “not” and “right or law” points to wrongdoing. The underlying noun included unlawful violence and harm, connecting the adjective's sense of “wrongful” with its meaning “harmful.”

In context

OrchestrationOnline5:06

potentially injurious techniques all the same anything that might damage the surface of the tone bars is out metal beaters chains heat and liquid in particular

Orchestration Tip: How (not) to Destroy the Percussion Section

More examples

Too much fertilizer can be injurious to young plants.
The company denies that its products have injurious effects.
False rumors can be injurious to a person's reputation.

Forms

injurious

injury noun — Physical harm or damage to the body.

Similar words

harmful: More common and less formal; applies to any harm.
damaging: Often emphasizes lasting harm to objects, relationships, or reputations.
detrimental: Often describes unfavorable effects on progress, interests, or well-being.