potion

[poh-shuhn]

noun

1. a drink or draft, especially one having or reputed to have medicinal, poisonous, or magical powers.

   a love potion; a sleeping potion.

   Synonyms: philter, concoction, brew, elixir

potion

/ ˈpəʊʃən /

noun

1. a drink, esp of medicine, poison, or some supposedly magic beverage

2. a rare word for beverage

Word History and Origins

Origin of potion¹

1300–50; Middle English pocion < Latin pōtiōn- (stem of pōtiō ) a drinking, equivalent to pōt ( us ), variant of pōtātus, past participle of pōtāre to drink + -iōn- -ion; replacing Middle English pocioun < Anglo-French < Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of potion¹

C13: via Old French from Latin pōtiō a drink, especially a poisonous one, from pōtāre to drink

Example Sentences

“Because of the circumstances, she became a victim again because she didn’t have whatever magic potion it would take for her to find a fresh start.”

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Her thick green belt holds a variety of pouches, pockets, and potions.

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No magic wand or special potion is needed -- only light.

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His gripped his white wine like a potion, delivering hope.

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After collaborating on an early workshop of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” the two joined forces to bring to life wand duels, transfiguration potions and the Mind Flayer.

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Related Words

• draught 
• elixir