love potion

American  

noun

1. a magical potion believed to arouse love or sexual passion toward a specified person, especially the person offering it.

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love potion British  

noun

1. any drink supposed to arouse sexual love in the one who drinks it

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Etymology

Origin of love potion

First recorded in 1640–50

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Explanation

In mythology, a love-potion is a magical drink that makes the person who sips it fall in love. If you've got a crush on a classmate who doesn't know you're alive, you might be tempted to mix up a love-potion. Love-potions are featured in a variety of literature, fairy tales, and the mythology of many cultures. Influencing a person to return your love might seem from many stories to be as simple as mixing up an elixir. A love-potion gone wrong plays a part in Wagner's opera "Tristan und Isolde," as well as the popular song first recorded by The Clovers in 1959, "Love Potion No. 9." In Latin, potion means "drink" or "poisonous drink."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

love potion

Amber Wagner was a first-rate Brangäne, powerful but nuanced; she is a prime mover in the plot for secretly providing Tristan and Isolde with the fateful love potion.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 17, 2022

Now, a study has revealed the fungus creates a love potion by releasing chemicals that lure flies to increase their chances of infection.

From Science Magazine ● Nov. 1, 2021

He has crossed paths with Yoko Ono and her entourage, had a moment in the New York art world, and he helped create a voodoo love potion so powerful its effects could not be reversed.

From New York Times ● Mar. 31, 2017

Later, as its availability spread, chocolate gained a reputation as a love potion.

From Textbooks ● Dec. 30, 2014

“It’s the most powerful love potion in the world!” said Hermione.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

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