Poison Definition

poizən
poisoned, poisoning, poisons
noun
poisons
A substance causing illness or death when eaten, drunk, or absorbed even in relatively small quantities.
Webster's New World
Anything harmful or destructive to happiness or welfare, such as an idea, emotion, etc.
Webster's New World
In a nuclear reactor, a substance, as boron, that readily absorbs thermal neutrons from a chain reaction, thereby decreasing the reactivity of a reactor core: it is used for safety or control.
Webster's New World
A substance that inhibits or destroys the activity of a catalyst, enzyme, etc. or that interferes with or checks a reaction.
Webster's New World

(informal) A drink; liquor.

- What's your poison?
- I'll have a glass of whisky.
Wiktionary
Antonyms:
verb
poisoned, poisoning, poisons
To give poison to; harm or destroy by means of poison.
Webster's New World
To put poison on or into.
Webster's New World
To pollute.
Noxious fumes poison the air.
American Heritage
To influence wrongfully; corrupt.
To poison someone's mind.
Webster's New World
To inhibit (a substance or reaction).
American Heritage
Antonyms:
adjective
Poisonous or poisoned.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Poison

Noun

Singular:
poison
Plural:
poisons

Origin of Poison

  • Middle English from Old French from Latin pōtiō pōtiōn- drink pō(i)- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Old French poison, from Latin pōtio, pōtiōnis, from pōtō. See also potion and potable.

    From Wiktionary

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