Venom: meaning, definitions and examples

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venom

[ˈvɛnəm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

dangerous substance

Venom is a toxic substance that is usually injected into a victim by a bite or sting from certain animals, such as snakes, spiders, or scorpions. It is used by these creatures for self-defense or hunting purposes.

Synonyms

poison, toxin, venin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
venom	Used to refer to a toxic substance produced by animals such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions, delivered through a bite or sting. The cobra's venom can be deadly if not treated immediately. She was rushed to the hospital after being stung by a spider with venom.
poison	Generally refers to any substance that can cause harm or death when introduced to a living organism. It can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. The old house had traces of poison in the walls from years of pesticide use. Some plants contain natural poisons that can be harmful to humans and animals.
toxin	A toxic substance produced naturally by living organisms like bacteria, plants, and animals. It includes venoms but also other harmful substances. Botulinum toxin is one of the most potent toxins known to mankind. Certain algae produce toxins that can contaminate shellfish.
venin	An alternative term for venom, but less commonly used. It specifically refers to the poisonous fluid secreted by some animals. The venin of the rattlesnake makes its bite very dangerous. Researchers are studying the venin of various spiders to develop antivenoms.

Examples of usage

The snake injected its venom into the prey, paralyzing it.
The venom of a black widow spider is highly poisonous.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

malicious feeling

Venom can also refer to intense ill will or malice directed towards someone. It describes a deep-seated hatred or animosity that is often expressed through harsh words or actions.

Synonyms

hatred, malice, spite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
venom	Often refers to literal poison from animals like snakes, spiders, and scorpions. In a figurative sense, it can describe words or feelings filled with intense bitterness or anger. The snake's venom is highly toxic Her words were filled with venom, leaving everyone in shock
hatred	Describes an intense dislike or ill will towards someone or something. It is generally used in more serious or profound contexts. His hatred for injustice drove him to become an activist The rivalry between the teams was fueled by pure hatred
spite	Indicates a petty desire to harm, annoy, or frustrate someone, often out of personal bitterness. It usually involves smaller, more petty actions. He took her parking spot out of spite She ignored his calls purely out of spite
malice	Refers to the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to others. It often implies a premeditated or deliberate intention. The email was sent with malice, aiming to ruin his reputation She acted out of malice, not just impulsive anger

Examples of usage

She spewed venom at her ex-husband during the divorce proceedings.
The politician's speech was filled with venom towards his opponents.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'venom' comes from the Latin 'venenum', which means poison or drug.
In old times, people thought that venom could be used in potions and medicines, linking it closely to magic and witchcraft.
The term has evolved over time to mainly describe the toxic substances from certain animals, separate from other types of poisons.

Biology

Venom can be a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, and toxins, each designed to take down different types of prey.
Some species, like the blue-ringed octopus, have venom that is highly potent and can be lethal to humans.
Venomous creatures often have specialized delivery systems, such as fangs in snakes or stingers in jellyfish.

Pop Culture

The character Venom from Marvel Comics is a popular anti-hero, showcasing a blend of strength and a dark, alien venom.
Movies often depict venomous animals as villains, adding to a wide perception of danger surrounding them.
Video games often feature characters or bosses that use venom or poison as a central theme, reflecting real-world fears.

Medicine

Some components of venom are being researched for potential medical uses, like painkillers or cancer treatment.
Antivenoms are created from the venom of certain animals and are crucial in treating bites or stings from those species.
Understanding venom has led to breakthroughs in exploring how to neutralize poisons, benefiting both humans and animal health.

Mythology

In mythology, venom has often been portrayed as a weapon of betrayal, seen in stories involving treachery and hidden dangers.
Various cultures have myths about people being transformed due to encounters with venomous creatures, symbolizing danger and consequence.
Venom is often used in folklore to represent the duality of life and death, illustrating nature’s balance in storytelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "venom" in other languages:

🇵🇹 veneno

🇮🇳 विष

🇩🇪 Gift

🇮🇩 racun

🇺🇦 отрута

🇵🇱 jad

🇯🇵 毒 (どく)

🇫🇷 venin

🇪🇸 veneno

🇹🇷 zehir

🇰🇷 독 (dok)

🇸🇦 سم (samm)

🇨🇿 jed

🇸🇰 jed

🇨🇳 毒液 (dú yè)

🇸🇮 strup

🇮🇸 eitur

🇰🇿 у

🇬🇪 შხამი (shkhami)

🇦🇿 zəhər

🇲🇽 veneno

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,631, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14628 acetylene
14629 delineation
14630 isolating
14631 venom
14632 subtract
14633 prof
14634 squire
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