adj. 1. Working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner: insidious rumors; an insidious disease. 2. Intended to entrap; treacherous: insidious misinformation. 3. Beguiling but harmful; alluring: insidious pleasures. [From Latin īnsidiōsus, from īnsidiae, ambush, from īnsidēre, to sit upon, lie in wait for : in-, in, on; see IN-2 + sedēre, to sit; see sed- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] in·sidi·ous·ly adv. in·sidi·ous·ness n. |
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