venom

[ven-uhm]

noun

1. the poisonous fluid that some animals, as certain snakes and spiders, secrete and introduce into the bodies of their victims by biting, stinging, etc.

2. something resembling or suggesting poison in its effect; spite; malice.

   the venom of jealousy.

   Synonyms: hate, spleen, gall, acerbity, bitterness, acrimony, malignity

3. Archaic.,  poison in general.

verb (used with object)

1. Archaic.,  to make venomous; envenom.

venom

/ ˈvɛnəm /

noun

1. a poisonous fluid secreted by such animals as certain snakes and scorpions and usually transmitted by a bite or sting

2. malice; spite

venom

1. Any of various poisonous substances secreted by certain snakes, spiders, scorpions, and insects and transmitted to a victim by a bite or sting. Venoms are highly concentrated fluids that typically consist of dozens or hundreds of powerful enzymes, peptides, and smaller organic compounds. These compounds target and disable specific chemicals in the victim, damaging cellular and organ system function. Snake venoms, for example, contain substances that block platelet aggregation (causing bleeding) and that prevent the release of acetylcholine by nerve endings (causing muscle paralysis). Many substances contained in venoms are under investigation for use as pharmaceuticals.

Other Word Forms

• venomless adjective
• venomously adverb
• venomous adjective
• venomousness noun
• outvenom verb (used with object)
• unvenomed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of venom¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; variant of Middle English venim, from Anglo-French; Old French venim, venin, from (unattested) Vulgar Latin venīmen, for Latin venēnum “magical herb or potion, poison,” from (unattested) wenes-nom, equivalent to (unattested) wenes- desire ( venerate, Venus ) + (unattested) -nom noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of venom¹

C13: from Old French venim, from Latin venēnum poison, love potion; related to venus sexual love

Synonym Study

See poison.

Example Sentences

Her prominence and the venom of her political attacks had put a target on her back and attracted unwanted headlines.

From BBC

There seemed to be added venom to the chants of "Levy out" from the 3,000-strong away following at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

From BBC

The venom from a tarantula bite typically won’t kill a human, but it can cause minor pain, swelling or itching.

From Los Angeles Times

When the stinger pierces the skin, “it can cause puncture wounds, injection of venom, and tissue damage, leading to pain, swelling, and occasionally secondary infection,” according to the state agency.

From Los Angeles Times

Stokes produced a stunning direct hit to run out Pant and, in a tireless spell after tea, found the venom to have Reddy caught behind.

From BBC

Related Words

• bitterness 
• hatred 
• rancor 
• toxin