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insidious

adjective
in-SID-ee-uhs/ɪnˈsɪdi.əs/

3 meanings of insidious

Practice

  1. 1
    slow hidden harmadjective
    Causing harm in a hidden way, often slowly, so people do not notice it.

    Rust is insidious because it eats away at metal you cannot see.

    Loneliness can have an insidious effect on your health.

    Similarsubtle

    Oppositebenign, harmless

    Note
  2. 2
    tempting trapadjective
    Made to trick and trap you, looking nice but causing harm.

    The insidious game promised free prizes but stole players' passwords.

    Her insidious smile made him trust her far too quickly.

    Similarseductive, beguiling, deceptive

    Note
  3. 3
    disloyaladjectivenonstandard
    Not loyal and ready to turn against friends or allies.

    “Those insidious traitors sold us out!” the captain shouted.

    “Don't trust him, he's an insidious little snake,” Mia whispered.

    Similartreacherous, disloyal, traitorous

    Oppositeloyal, faithful

    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin insidiosus, "cunning", from a word meaning "an ambush".