poison

poi-son · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A substance that causes illness or death when introduced into or absorbed by a living organism.

  2. 2.

    Something destructive or harmful.

  3. 3.

    To administer poison to; to kill or harm with poison.

  4. 4.

    To contaminate or pollute.

  5. 5.

    To corrupt or ruin.

Forms

plural: poisons

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    what's your poison? — What would you like to drink?
  • •
    one man's meat is another man's poison — People have different tastes.
  • •
    poison pen letter — A malicious anonymous letter.

Related words

Antonyms: antidote, remedy
See also: antidote, toxic, venom
Synonyms: bane, toxin, venom

Etymology

From Old French poison ("potion, drink, later poison"), from Latin potio ("drink, potion"), from potare ("to drink").