venom

1 of 2

noun

ven·​om ˈve-nəm 

1

: a toxic substance produced by some animals (such as snakes, scorpions, or bees) that is injected into prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging and has an injurious or lethal effect

broadly : a substance that is poisonous

2

: a spiteful malicious feeling or state of mind : extreme ill will : malevolence

venom

2 of 2

verb

venomed; venoming; venoms

transitive verb

: envenom

Synonyms

Noun

• bane
• poison
• toxic
• toxin

Examples of venom in a Sentence

Noun

She spoke of him with venom in her voice.

He spewed venom against his rival.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Do not pinch or squeeze the stinger because this could cause more venom to be released.7 Similarities Anaphylaxis is a form of allergic reaction, and both conditions have similar causes. —Daniel More, Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Unlike a snake, which injects venom through hollow fangs, the gila monster’s venom flows through large grooved lower teeth. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024

Far too many horror movies, even great ones, are a bit too forthcoming with the answers to their mysteries — and simultaneously withholding of their venom — to achieve what the genre is truly capable of. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024

As Smithsonian reported, antivenom can be complicated to produce, as a donor animal must be injected with the venom — and then their antibodies harvested to make the treatment. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English venim, borrowed from Anglo-French venim, venyn, going back to Vulgar Latin *venīmen, re-formation of Latin venēnum "magical herb, poison," going back to *wenes-no-m, from *wenes- (whence vener-, venus "sexual desire, qualities exciting desire, charm") + *-no-, instrumental suffix — more at venus

Note: In the sense "poison" Latin venēnum is perhaps an avoidance euphemism, a word meaning "magical charm" being transferred to something toxic, and hence dangerous, to avoid saying the actual word. Compare Old High German gift "gift, magical drink," Modern German Gift "poison."

Verb

Middle English venimen, borrowed from Anglo-French venimer, verbal derivative of venim venom entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing venom

• spit blood/venom

Kids Definition

venom

noun

ven·​om

ˈven-əm

1

: poison produced by some animals (as a snake, scorpion, or bee) and passed to a victim usually by biting or stinging

2

: spite entry 1, malice

Medical Definition

venom

noun

ven·​om ˈven-əm 

: a toxic substance produced by some animals (as snakes, scorpions, or bees) that is injected into prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging and has an injurious or lethal effect

broadly : a substance that is poisonous