Meaning & use

poison

noun·Everyday

A substance capable of causing illness or death when ingested, absorbed, or introduced into a living organism.

See it in a sentence

The mystery novel revolved around a rare poison slipped into the victim's tea.

Certain mushrooms contain poison that can be fatal if eaten raw.

A note on using this word

"Toxin" is used mainly for biologically produced poisons, while "venom" refers specifically to poison injected by animals.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. verb

To harm or kill with a toxic substance, or to corrupt something harmful.

The rumors began to poison the trust between the two former friends.

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