# Word of the Day: Insidious means hidden danger

2026-08-09T03:51:15+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Mathrubhumi's Word of the Day on August 9 defines 'insidious' as something harmful that develops gradually and subtly, often unnoticed until it causes serious damage. The word comes from the Latin 'insidiosus', meaning cunning or deceitful, and traces back to 'insidiae' (an ambush). The feature notes that 'insidious' is frequently used in discussions about health, social problems, misinformation, and technology, where dangers appear harmless at first. It is also the title of a 2010 horror film. Examples from literature include Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds'.

## Coverage

- english.mathrubhumi.com <https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/books/word-of-the-day-august-9-insidious-meaning-pronunciation-synonyms-l9jljieb>

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