giftigt

Giftigt is a Swedish adjective meaning poisonous or toxic. It describes substances, organisms, or conditions that can cause harm to living beings if they are ingested, inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or otherwise exposed to them. The word translates to toxic or poisonous in English. The form derives from the Swedish noun gift, meaning poison, with the suffix -igt forming an adjective. In Swedish safety language, giftiga (plural) and giftigt (neuter singular) are used to describe dangerous substances; the related adjective giftig describes the common gender form.

In practice, giftigt is used across science, medicine, and environmental contexts to categorize chemicals, plants, fungi, gases, and other agents. Examples include giftiga växter (poisonous plants), giftiga kemikalier (toxic chemicals), and giftig gas (toxic gas). The term is often linked to more precise hazard classifications in official labeling and toxicology, which may specify dosage, exposure route, and danger level. It also contrasts with farligt (dangerous in a broader sense) and ofarligt or giftfritt (harmless or toxin-free).

Etymology: from gift meaning poison, plus the adjectival suffix -igt. The concept of giftighet encompasses dose and exposure; a substance’s toxicity depends on amount, duration, and route of exposure, as well as the organism exposed.