Poisoned
ˈpɔɪzənd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo administer or expose to poison; to harm or kill with poison.
ˈpɔɪzənd
To administer poison to someone or something.
The assassin poisoned his enemy's food.
💡 Simply: Imagine giving someone a drink that's not good for them, making them sick. Poisoned means something has been treated with a poison.
👶 For kids: To put poison in something so it will hurt someone or something.
More Examples
The wells were poisoned during the war.
The mushrooms were poisoned and dangerous to eat.
How It's Used
"The villain poisoned the king's wine."
"The caterpillar poisoned the leaves."
Affected or contaminated by poison; containing or characterized by poison.
ˈpɔɪzənd
Affected or contaminated by poison.
The poisoned arrow caused a slow, agonizing death.
💡 Simply: Like food that has something that will make you sick inside it. Poisoned means something has poison inside.
👶 For kids: Something has poison in it.
More Examples
The poisoned chalice was offered to the guest.
Her thoughts were poisoned by bitterness.
How It's Used
"The patient's blood was poisoned."
"His mind was poisoned by conspiracy theories."
Idioms & expressions
the poisoned chalice
An offer or situation that appears attractive but ultimately brings harm or ruin.
"Accepting the promotion was a poisoned chalice; it came with endless hours and a toxic work environment."
From Middle English *poiso(u)ned*, past participle of *poisounen* (“to poison”), from Old French *poison* (“poison”).
Used extensively in literature and historical accounts of crime, warfare, and medical contexts, highlighting its role in both literal and figurative senses, with early uses in Old English literature to describe being harmed.
Memory tip
Imagine pouring poison into someone's drink, causing them harm. Remember POISONED as when you administer poison.
Word Origin
"A drink or potion with a dangerous and harmful substance."