envenom

/in'venəm/
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Thân thiện
envenom

He carefully envenomed the arrowhead before the hunt.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To add poison or venom to something: The primary meaning refers to the physical act of making something poisonous or toxic by introducing a venomous substance.
    • To fill with bitter feeling, malice, or resentment; to embitter: A figurative meaning describing the act of making someone's feelings, words, or a situation intensely bitter, hateful, or spiteful.
Usage and Examples

  • Literal Meaning (to poison):

    • The assassin attempted to envenom the king's wine.
    • Some snakes envenom their prey by injecting venom through their fangs.

  • Figurative Meaning (to embitter):

    • Years of betrayal had envenomed their relationship beyond repair.
    • His speech was envenomed with hatred and prejudice.
Advanced Usage

  • "to envenom a debate/discussion": To make a discussion intensely hostile or bitter.

    • The politician's inflammatory comments served only to envenom the public debate.

  • "envenomed atmosphere": Describing an environment filled with hostility and resentment.

    • An envenomed atmosphere of mutual suspicion prevailed in the office after the layoffs.
Variants and Related Words

  • Envenomation (n): The process or result of being poisoned by venom, typically from an animal bite or sting.

    • The doctor treated the patient for snake envenomation.

  • Venom (n): A poisonous substance secreted by animals such as snakes, spiders, or scorpions.

  • Venomous (adj): Capable of injecting venom; also used figuratively to describe spiteful speech or behavior.
Synonyms
  • Poison (v): To administer poison to.
  • Embitter (v): To make someone feel bitter or resentful.
  • Taint (v): To contaminate or pollute, often morally.
  • Sour (v): To cause to become unpleasant or acrimonious.
Antonyms
  • Detoxify (v): To remove poison or toxins.
  • Sweeten (v): To make pleasant or agreeable (figuratively).
  • Pacify (v): To soothe or calm.
Notes on Meaning
  • The word is often used in formal, literary, or technical contexts (e.g., medical descriptions of snake bites).
  • The figurative use is powerful and implies a deep, corrupting influence that turns something positive (like a relationship or dialogue) into something toxic and harmful.
envenom

He carefully envenomed the arrowhead before the hunt.

Verb
  1. add poison to
    • Her husband poisoned her drink in order to kill her
  2. cause to be bitter or resentful
    • These injustices embittered her even more

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