Etymology

From Mediaeval Latin *detrimentalis < Latin detrimentum ("harm") < deterere ("to rub off, wear") < de- ("down, away") + terere ("to rub").

Adjective

detrimental (comparative more detrimental, superlative most detrimental)

1. Causing damage or harm.
   
   Smoking tobacco can be detrimental to your health.

Synonyms

• harmful
• injurious

Antonyms

• beneficial

Related terms

• detriment

External links

• detrimental in Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• detrimental in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

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