venom

¹ven·om

noun \ˈve-nəm\

Definition of VENOM

1

: poisonous matter normally secreted by some animals (as snakes, scorpions, or bees) and transmitted to prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging; broadly : material that is poisonous

2

: ill will, malevolence

Examples of VENOM

1. She spoke of him with venom in her voice.
2. He spewed venom against his rival.

Origin of VENOM

Middle English venim, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *venimen, alteration of Latin venenum magic charm, drug, poison; akin to Latin venus love, charm — more at win

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to VENOM

Synonyms: bane, toxic, toxin, poison

Related Words: cancer, contagion, disease, virus; fungicide, germicide, herbicide, insecticide, microbicide, pesticide, toxicant

Near Antonyms: antidote, antivenin, antivenom, mithridate; cure; cure-all, elixir, panacea

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with VENOM

denim, plenum