venomous

[ ven-uh-muhs ]

adjective

1. (of an animal) having a gland or glands for secreting venom; able to inflict a poisoned bite, sting, or wound:

   a venomous snake.

2. full of or containing venom; poisonous:

   a venomous wound; a venomous potion.

3. spiteful; malignant:

   a venomous attack; a venomous tongue.

   Synonyms: ill-disposed, rancorous, hostile, malicious

Other Words From

• venom·ous·ly adverb
• venom·ous·ness venom·ness noun
• non·venom·ous adjective
• non·venom·ous·ly adverb
• non·venom·ous·ness noun
• un·venom·ous adjective
• un·venom·ous·ly adverb
• un·venom·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of venomous¹

1250–1300; Middle English venim ( o ) us < Anglo-French venimus ( Old French venimeux ). See venom, -ous

Example Sentences

The centre has seen everything from a European tree frog in a home furnishings store, to a venomous spider in a case of Australian wine.

From BBC

"It was a bit nerve-wracking," he said, as no one knew how venomous it was.

From BBC

Snakes, scorpions and venomous giant worms invade the tents and have to be swept out.

From BBC

He’s on endless repeats with his litany of tirades, venomous and hate-filled rants.

From Salon

Later in the film, Delia takes a pair of venomous reptiles to her late husband's grave in an ill-fated attempt to mimic Egyptian mourning rituals.

From Salon

Related Words

• destructive
• malicious
• noxious
• rancorous
• spiteful
• vicious
• virulent