Causing harm or damage, especially in a gradual or subtle way. It describes effects that are destructive or injurious to health, well-being, or success.
From Greek 'deleterios' meaning 'destructive,' derived from 'deleter' (destroyer) and ultimately from 'deleisthai' (to hurt or destroy). The word entered English through Latin, maintaining its sense of gradual, harmful destruction.
Think of 'delete' on your computer - when you delete files, you're destroying them! Deleterious effects 'delete' your health or success bit by bit, like a slow computer virus.
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