* General: The spread of misinformation online has a pernicious effect on public discourse.
* Historical: The pernicious effects of colonialism are still felt today in many parts of the world.
* Medical: The disease is known for its pernicious ability to spread rapidly and silently.
* Personal: Jealousy can be a pernicious emotion, often leading to self-destructive behavior.
* Figurative: Her words, though seemingly harmless, contained a pernicious truth that cut deep.
Pernicious often refers to something that is harmful and insidious, gradually causing damage without being immediately obvious.