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Synonyms

poisoning

American  
[poi-zuh-ning] / ˈpɔɪ zə nɪŋ /

noun

Pathology.

  1. the condition produced by a poison or by a toxic substance.

Etymology

Origin of poisoning

First recorded in 1400–50, poisoning is from the late Middle English word poisenynge. See poison, -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Poisoning can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties and other serious medical conditions such as kidney damage and heart disease.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2025

Poisoning is a medical emergency and should be treated in hospital.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2024

Poisoning Delhi’s Air: India promised to safely burn the capital’s trash and turn it into electricity.

From New York Times • Nov. 21, 2024

Poisoning was unlikely because no other animals, such as vultures feeding on the carcasses, were affected.

From National Geographic • Dec. 5, 2023

“Probably to show the Poisoning Department at St. Mungo’s,” said Ron under his breath.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.