Venom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
venom
[หvษnษm ]
Definitions
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
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.
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| 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.
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| toxin |
A toxic substance produced naturally by living organisms like bacteria, plants, and animals. It includes venoms but also other harmful substances.
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| venin |
An alternative term for venom, but less commonly used. It specifically refers to the poisonous fluid secreted by some animals.
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Examples of usage
- The snake injected its venom into the prey, paralyzing it.
- The venom of a black widow spider is highly poisonous.
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
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.
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| hatred |
Describes an intense dislike or ill will towards someone or something. It is generally used in more serious or profound contexts.
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| spite |
Indicates a petty desire to harm, annoy, or frustrate someone, often out of personal bitterness. It usually involves smaller, more petty actions.
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| malice |
Refers to the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to others. It often implies a premeditated or deliberate intention.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 natureโs balance in storytelling.
Origin of 'venom'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'venom' originated from the Latin word 'venenum' meaning poison or drug. It has been used in English since the late 13th century to describe toxic substances produced by animals. Over time, its meaning expanded to include metaphorical references to spite or malice.