Venomous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
venomous
[หvษnษmษs ]
Definitions
dangerous animals
Capable of injecting venom by means of a bite or sting.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| venomous |
Use 'venomous' when referring to animals that inject venom through a bite or sting.
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| poisonous |
Use 'poisonous' when referring to substances that are harmful if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed.
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| toxic |
Use 'toxic' to describe something that is harmful or poisonous, especially substances that can cause illness.
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| deadly |
Use 'deadly' to describe something that can cause death. This is a more general term.
|
Examples of usage
- A venomous snake
- The venomous bite of a spider
speech or writing
Full of malice or spite.
Synonyms
malicious, spiteful, vindictive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| venomous |
Use in situations where something is extremely dangerous or poisonous, often used metaphorically to describe highly harmful or toxic attitudes or words.
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| spiteful |
Describes behavior or actions that are meant to hurt or upset someone, often out of anger or resentment. It has a negative connotation.
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| malicious |
Applies to actions or statements that are intentionally harmful and done with a desire to cause injury or distress.
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| vindictive |
Refers to an intense and persistent desire to seek revenge. It is highly negative and implies a strong, vengeful motivation.
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Examples of usage
- A venomous remark
- His venomous attack on the government
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biology
- Not all poisonous animals are venomous; venomous creatures deliver toxins through bites or stings, while poisonous ones are harmful when ingested or touched.
- Some of the most venomous creatures on Earth include the box jellyfish, the inland taipan snake, and certain species of spiders.
- Many venomous species utilize their toxins as a means of defense, while others use them to subdue prey.
Pop Culture
- Venom, a character from Marvel Comics, is a popular representation of a symbiotic alien that embodies the concept of being venomous.
- Movies often depict venomous creatures in thrilling ways, such as snakes or spiders that create suspense in horror genres.
- Video games frequently feature venomous creatures, allowing players to confront these dangerous animals through engaging gameplay.
Psychology
- The fear of venomous creatures, known as 'ophidiophobia' for snakes and 'arachnophobia' for spiders, is common among many people.
- Studies show that the fear of venomous animals often stems from an evolutionary survival instinct, helping ancestors avoid harmful encounters.
- Interest in venomous animals can also lead to fascination and respect for their ecological roles in nature.
Literature
- In literature, venomous creatures often symbolize betrayal or danger, like in Shakespeareโs plays where poisonous substances represent treachery.
- Fables and folklore often contain stories of venomous animals that teach moral lessons about caution or awareness of hidden dangers.
- Characters portrayed as venomous or treacherous often reflect deeper themes of deceit and risk in storytelling.
Origin of 'venomous'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'venomous' comes from the Latin word 'venenum,' which means poison or potion.
- Originally, 'venom' was used to describe harmful substances, and this evolved into the more specific use of the term in describing certain animals.
- The term has been used in English since the early 14th century, often associated with creatures that inflict harm.
The word 'venomous' originates from the Latin word 'venenum' meaning poison. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe poisonous animals or people with malicious intent.
See also: antivenom, venomousness, venoms.