poisonous

[poi-zuh-nuhs]

adjective

1. full of or containing poison.

   poisonous air; a poisonous substance.

2. harmful; destructive.

   poisonous to animals; poisonous rumors.

3. deeply malicious; malevolent.

   poisonous efforts.

poisonous

/ ˈpɔɪzənəs /

adjective

1. having the effects or qualities of a poison

2. capable of killing or inflicting injury; venomous

3. corruptive or malicious

Other Word Forms

• poisonously adverb
• poisonousness noun
• nonpoisonous adjective
• nonpoisonously adverb
• nonpoisonousness noun
• semipoisonous adjective
• semipoisonously adverb
• unpoisonous adjective
• unpoisonously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of poisonous¹

First recorded in 1565–75; poison + -ous

Example Sentences

Even when she lands on the right outcome, there’s a poisonous aspect to it.

From Salon

"Whereas you are a pathetic and poisonous little man that doesn't care about Scotland, doesn't understand Scotland, and that's why Scotland will utterly reject you."

From BBC

Addressing recent protests, Sir Keir criticised the "poisonous belief" that there is a "violent struggle" for the nation coming.

From BBC

He also warned against the perils of "poisonous" online debate, and of a "coming struggle, a defining struggle, a violent struggle" for the nation.

From BBC

“To every terrorist thug smuggling poisonous drugs into the United States of America, please be warned that we will blow you out of existence,” he said in his address to the United Nations.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dangerous 
• deadly 
• destructive 
• fatal 
• lethal 
• noxious 
• pernicious 
• toxic 
• venomous 
• vicious 
• virulent