Noisome

adjective

Physically harmful or toxic
Disagreeable to the senses, especially by having a terrible odor
Bothersome, disruptive, or otherwise offensive

Usage

Sometimes we run into words that are a little misleading. For example, upon encountering the word noisome, one might assume that the word had something to do with loud and possibly unpleasant sounds. But while the "unpleasant" part is spot-on, noisome is more commonly associated with the sense of smell. The reason for the confusion can be found in the etymology of the word; however, we can all agree that, no matter which senses are being assailed, something noisome is definitely unpleasant!

Noisome is an adjective that is used in a general sense to describe something that is unwelcome or disagreeable. In many cases, noisome refers to something that is downright harmful or that poses physical danger, such as a swarm of mosquitos that are all carrying the West Nile virus. Other, less drastic usages portray something as being unwelcome or disruptive. This could apply to something that bothers and distracts you while you're trying to concentrate or enjoy yourself, or perhaps to a rude or offending object that you don't find appropriate. Specifically, noisome is often used to describe something that grates on our physical senses, especially smell. Got a can full of rotting, smelly, maggot-infested garbage in your backyard? Then unfortunately, you've got something noisome.

Whatever the application of noisome, the word usually connotes a sense of repulsiveness. An object can be noisome in a variety of ways, but it will always have characteristics that you find disturbing or unpleasant. The repulsive reaction generated by such an object is usually understood to be largely visceral: when you encounter something noisome, there's a strong chance you'll end up feeling sick to your stomach.

Example: : In a classic scene from To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch earns the respect of his children by shooting a noisome, rabid dog.

Example: Jacob held a handkerchief to his nose in a vain attempt to escape the noisome smell of freshly run-over skunk.

Example: My father looked utterly disgusted as he listened to the foul-mouthed comedian's noisome routine.

Origin

Curious as to why noisome doesn't directly refer to something loud or unpleasant sounding? Rather than stemming from the word noise¸ the beginning root of noisome is actually related to the word annoy. Coming from the Old French verb anoier, which means "to molest, bother, or be harmful to," this root first appeared in Middle English as noy, a noun that described hurt or hardship. Noisome would show up in its familiar, adjectival role in the late 14th century as a descriptor for something injurious or toxic, and the word has been used in association with offensive odors since the mid-late 1500s.

Derivative Words

Noisomeness: This is a noun which describes the quality of being foul or revolting.

Example: The Fraternity House's laundry room was infamous for its noisomeness.

Noisomely: This is an adverb which describes an action as offensive or disgusting.

Example: The young boy stood on the highway bridge, noisomely spitting phlegm on the cars passing below.

In Literature

From Dante Alighieri's Inferno (Canto VI):

Huge hail, and water sombre-hued, and snow,
Athwart the tenebrous air pour down amain;
Noisome the earth is, that receiveth this.

Here, noisome is employed to characterize the horror and perilousness of the Third Cirle of Hell.

Mnemonic

You'll be annoyed by something noisome!