Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Producing or containing venom: Used to describe animals, especially snakes, insects, or spiders, that can inject poison through a bite or sting.
   • Full of malice or spite; extremely harmful or unpleasant: Used to describe feelings, attitudes, speech, or writing that is deliberately cruel, bitter, or harmful.

Examples of Usage

• Producing venom:
  • The zoo has a special exhibit for venomous reptiles like cobras and rattlesnakes.
  • She was treated for a venomous spider bite.
• Full of malice or spite:
  • The political debate was filled with venomous accusations.
  • He responded to the criticism with a venomous remark.

Advanced Usage

• "venomous tongue": A way to describe someone who frequently says very cruel or spiteful things.
  • Be careful of her venomous tongue; she can destroy reputations with a single comment.
• "venomous pen": Describes writing that is full of malice, bitterness, or harmful intent.
  • The critic was known for his venomous pen, which spared no one.

Variants and Related Words

• Venom (n): The poisonous fluid secreted by some animals; also used figuratively for intense malice or spite.
  • The snake's venom is highly toxic.
  • Her words were dripping with venom.
• Venomously (adv): In a venomous manner.
  • He spoke venomously about his former colleague.

Synonyms

• Poisonous: Capable of causing injury or death by chemical means; also used figuratively for harmful influence.
• Vicious: Deliberately cruel or violent; can describe actions or speech.
• Virulent: Extremely severe or harmful; often used for diseases or bitter hostility.
• Malicious: Characterized by malice; intending to do harm.
• Toxic: Poisonous; also used for harmful interpersonal environments.

Related Phrases

• "full of venom": Extremely spiteful or malicious.
  • His critique was full of venom, aimed at destroying her credibility.
• "deliver a venomous attack": To make a very spiteful and harmful verbal or written assault.
  • The journalist delivered a venomous attack on the government's policies.

Related Idioms

• "A tongue dipped in venom": An idiom describing someone who speaks with great malice and cruelty.
  • He argued like a lawyer with a tongue dipped in venom.

Adjective

1. marked by deep ill will; deliberately harmful
   • poisonous hate
   • venomous criticism
   • vicious gossip
2. extremely poisonous or injurious; producing venom
   • venomous snakes
   • a virulent insect bite