Poisoning: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is commonly used in medical and everyday contexts when referring to harmful substances being ingested or coming into contact with the body, leading to harmful effects. It is often associated with food, chemicals, or drugs.

• Food poisoning caused him severe stomach cramps.
• The patient is being treated for cyanide poisoning.

This term is used to describe the degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals. It is often used in scientific, environmental, and health-related discussions.

• The toxicity of the chemical was tested in the lab.
• High levels of toxicity were discovered in the contaminated soil.

This term is mainly used in medical or legal contexts to describe the harmful effects of consuming alcohol or drugs. It can also describe poisoning by other chemicals but is less common in this usage.

• The driver was arrested for driving under intoxication.
• The party resulted in several cases of alcohol intoxication among teenagers.

This term is often used in environmental science, health, and safety to describe when something pure or clean (like water or food) is made impure or dangerous by harmful substances or microorganisms.

• The contamination of the drinking water led to an outbreak of illness.
• There is significant contamination at the industrial site from years of waste dumping.

This word is commonly used to describe the harmful effects that occur when a toxic substance is introduced into the body, typically through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. It can refer to both accidental and intentional consumption of harmful substances.

• The child was rushed to the hospital after accidental poisoning from household cleaners
• Food poisoning is a common concern after eating contaminated food

This term is often used in medical and veterinary fields to describe a condition caused by the absorption of a poison or toxin. It is more scientific and specific than 'poisoning'.

• The vet diagnosed the dog with toxicosis after it ingested a toxic plant
• Chronic toxicosis can result from prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals

This term specifically refers to the process of being injected with venom by a bite or sting from a venomous animal such as a snake, spider, or scorpion.

• The hiker suffered envenomation after being bitten by a rattlesnake
• Immediate medical attention is required in cases of scorpion envenomation

Ingestion refers to the act of taking something into the body through the mouth. It is often used in medical contexts to describe swallowing harmful or poisonous substances.

• The accidental ingestion of the chemical caused severe stomach pain
• Doctors treat patients for ingestion of hazardous substances