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

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Antonyms:
antidote

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

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

adjective

Poisonous or poisoned.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

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