Definition

1. Verb phrase:
   • To poison: The act of administering a toxic substance to a person, animal, or plant with the intent to harm or kill. This is the primary and most common meaning.
   • To drug (with poison): To surreptitiously give a poison to someone, often in food or drink.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Kẻ thù đã âm mưu đánh thuốc độc nhà vua. (The enemy plotted to poison the king.)
  • Người ta nghi ngờ hắn đánh thuốc độc con chó của hàng xóm. (He is suspected of poisoning the neighbor's dog.)
  • Cây cối bị chết vì bị đánh thuốc độc vào gốc. (The plants died because poison was administered to their roots.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is typically used in contexts of criminal intent, malice, or sabotage. It implies a deliberate and covert action.

Variants and Related Words

• Đầu độc (v): to poison. This is a more formal or literary synonym.
  • Hắn bị buộc tội đầu độc cả gia đình nạn nhân. (He was accused of poisoning the victim's entire family.)

Synonyms

• Poison: to administer a toxic substance.
• Envenom: to put poison onto or into something (more specific, often for weapons or bites).

Related Idioms

• Đánh thuốc mê / Đánh thuốc mộ: to drug someone (with a sedative or anesthetic). While not using "độc" (poison), this structure ("đánh thuốc + X") means to administer a specific substance surreptitiously.
  • Tên bắt cóc đánh thuốc mê đứa trẻ. (The kidnapper drugged the child.)

1. Poison