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Glite Dictionary
radioactive effect

radioactive effect

8.1
A strong harmful result that spreads quickly among people
  • noun
  • /ˌreɪdiəʊˈæktɪv ɪˈfɛkt/
translation icon : efecto radiactivo
  • The leaked memo created a radioactive effect throughout the department, making everyone uneasy.

Examples

  • The politician's speech had a radioactive effect on the upcoming election campaign.

  • Her resignation had a radioactive effect on the company's reputation.

  • The radioactive effect of the disaster was felt for decades.

  • Scientists are studying the radioactive effects of nuclear waste.

  • The leaked memo created a radioactive effect throughout the department, making everyone uneasy.

  • Her resignation had a radioactive effect on the company's reputation.

  • The politician's speech had a radioactive effect on the upcoming election campaign.

Antonyms

harmlessness
1 3.3

The state of not causing harm or danger

How Damaging

catastrophic
144 7.0
radioactive effect
8.1
significant
  • Specialized
92 4.9
minor
600 2.4

Surface Forms

radioactive effect singular
radioactive effects plural

Morphology

radioactive + effect

Literally, 'radioactive effect' can be directly understood as an effect caused by radioactivity because 'radioactive' describes the source and 'effect' the result. The figurative reading ('a significant or harmful impact') is a metaphorical extension relying on the danger/contamination sense of 'radioactive'—partly inferable from the constituents but not fully predictable for a B1 learner without exposure.

Etymology

Radioactive effect comes from the image of real radioactive energy: invisible power that spreads out and harms everything nearby. So when something has a radioactive effect, it means it makes a 'harmful' or 'explosive' impact that spreads and damages people or reputations.