poison

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A substance that can harm or kill a living thing if it is swallowed, breathed in, or absorbed.

   The bottle was clearly marked as poison.

2. 2
   noun

   Something that does great harm to a person, relationship, or situation.

   Jealousy can be a poison in any marriage.

3. 3
   verb

   To harm or kill someone or something with poison.

   They poisoned the king's wine.

4. 4
   verb

   To spoil or damage something good, such as a relationship or attitude.

   Constant criticism slowly poisoned their friendship.

From Middle English poysoun, poyson, pusoun, from Old French poison, poisun, from Latin pōtiōnem (“drink, a draught, a poisonous draught, a potion”), from pōtō (“to drink”). See also potion and potable (from the same root). Mostly displaced native Old English ātor. See more at atter.

Topics