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: bitterness, hate, spleen, gall, acerbity, 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

/ vĕn′əm /

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.

Derived Forms

• ˈvenomless, adjective
• ˈvenomously, adverb
• ˈvenomous, adjective
• ˈvenomousness, noun

Other Words From

• venom·less adjective
• outvenom verb (used with object)
• un·venomed 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

The species tends to be shy rather than aggressive, but their venom is a powerful neurotoxin and can be fatal without medical intervention.

From BBC

She recalls Kuhn directing his “venom against young girls in our town who wished to play sports. … There was great pressure coming from Bowie Kuhn to denigrate girls who did play sports.”

From Los Angeles Times

There was venom in the reaction from Southampton’s stunned fans when Anthony Taylor's final whistle sounded.

From BBC

As the father of adult kids, he is wise enough to distance himself from the toxic labyrinth of tabloid flashes and social media venom.

From Los Angeles Times

After clearing his desk in Westminster, one thing Mr Pursglove was glad to leave behind was the so-called keyboard warriors who he said aimed venom at him.

From BBC

Related Words

• bitterness
• hatred
• rancor
• toxin