Insidious is an adjective in the Portuguese language that defines something or someone who is treacherous, sneaky, deceitful or false.
Etymologically, the word "insidious" arose from the Latin insidious, which is used when a particular procedure appears to be beneficial, but in reality it is not. One insidious situation it can also be popularly called a "trap", as it is something that has a deceptive profile, presenting at first an image positive or of interest to a person, but which actually ends up being harmful and negative for that same individual, who feels mistaken.
In the legal sphere, a crime is considered "insidious" when it is committed under the condition of treason, that is, camouflaged by its practitioner, such as the use of poisons or other means treacherous. A "cruel" crime, on the other hand, is one committed with acts of cruelty. Willful murder (when there is intention to kill) can be classified as a cruel crime, when there are traces of physical violence or torture, for example.
Learn more about the meaning of Willful and Manslaughter.
A very common mistake is in the way the word insidious is spelled. The correct spelling is with "s" - insidious - and not with the letter "c" - "inciting".
In a figurative sense, the term insidious is also used to refer to diseases that initially do not appear to be severity, with the appearance of being benign, but with the evolution of the disease and the onset of symptoms, they become highly dangerous. Cancer and AIDS are examples of insidious diseases.
Synonyms for insidious
- tricky
- perfidious
- treacherous
- false
- deceitful
- cunning
- unfair