venom

American  

[ven-uhm] / ˈvɛn əm /

noun

1. the poisonous fluid that some animals, as certain snakes and spiders, secrete and introduce into the bodies of their victims by biting, stinging, etc.

2. something resembling or suggesting poison in its effect; spite; malice.

   the venom of jealousy.

   Synonyms:

   hate, spleen, gall, acerbity, bitterness, acrimony, malignity

3. Archaic. poison in general.

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verb (used with object)

1. Archaic. to make venomous; envenom.

venom British  

/ ˈvɛnəm /

noun

1. a poisonous fluid secreted by such animals as certain snakes and scorpions and usually transmitted by a bite or sting

2. malice; spite

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venom Scientific  

/ vĕn′əm /

1. Any of various poisonous substances secreted by certain snakes, spiders, scorpions, and insects and transmitted to a victim by a bite or sting. Venoms are highly concentrated fluids that typically consist of dozens or hundreds of powerful enzymes, peptides, and smaller organic compounds. These compounds target and disable specific chemicals in the victim, damaging cellular and organ system function. Snake venoms, for example, contain substances that block platelet aggregation (causing bleeding) and that prevent the release of acetylcholine by nerve endings (causing muscle paralysis). Many substances contained in venoms are under investigation for use as pharmaceuticals.

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Related Words

See poison.

Other Word Forms

• outvenom
  verb (used with object)
• unvenomed
  adjective
• venomless
  adjective
• venomous
  adjective
• venomously
  adverb
• venomousness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of venom

First recorded in 1175–1225; variant of Middle English venim, from Anglo-French; Old French venim, venin, from (unattested) Vulgar Latin venīmen, for Latin venēnum “magical herb or potion, poison,” from (unattested) wenes-nom, equivalent to (unattested) wenes- desire ( see venerate, Venus) + (unattested) -nom noun suffix

Explanation

We’re pretty sure you wouldn’t drink a mysterious substance labeled “poisonous snake venom,” even if you didn’t know the meaning of venom. However, just to be clear, venom means "poison." Stay away from it. Venom is poisonous fluid produced by animals such as snakes, spiders, and certain people. Okay — we take that last one back, sort of. Scientifically speaking, people don’t produce venom, but they can certainly do so in a metaphorical sense. That’s why venom can also be used to mean “malice” or “hatred.” If you encounter someone who seems full of venom, remember that kindness can be a good antidote. (So can a really insulting remark.)

Example Sentences

Marc Leonard, summoning every ounce of venom he could muster, thumped one on goal and it came slapping back off the crossbar.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

If bitten, Dowd advises snake bite victims to remain calm, limit movement to slow the spread of venom and call 911 immediately.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Chelicerates rely on grasping appendages, often associated with venom delivery.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

We are always more afraid of something if it sounds like an artificial concoction rather than a natural product, even though asp venom and great white sharks are perfectly natural.

From Slate • Mar. 5, 2026

Even today there is no greater venom among hardcore classical music champions than that reserved for so-called 'crossover’ artists who dare to pollute the pure waters of the classical repertoire by appealing to the masses.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Related Words

• bitterness
• hatred
• rancor
• toxin