poison
UK[ˈpɔɪz(ə)n]US[ˈpɔɪz(ə)n]
n
A substance that can cause illness or death when taken into the body
v
To kill or harm someone or something with poison; to put poison in or on something
Etymology
The word "poison" entered English via the Anglo-Norman puisun and Old French poison, meaning a "drink," especially a medicinal or magical potion, but also a poisonous one. This French term descended from the Latin pōtiō, pōtiōn-, meaning "a drink" or "potion," itself from the verb pōtāre, "to drink." The semantic evolution from a general "drink" to a specifically deadly one is a classic example of meaning narrowing, likely influenced by the frequent historical use of toxic potions. The connection to drinking is preserved in related words like "potion," while "poison" specialized to carry its exclusively negative and dangerous connotation.
Analysis
The modern English word "poison" is a simplex form derived as a whole from Old French. Its ultimate Latin root is pōtiō, pōtiōn- meaning "a drink, potion, poisonous draught." The functional role of the entire word is to denote a harmful substance.
Examples
The chemical is a deadly poison if ingested.
Someone tried to poison the city's water supply.
Their relationship was poisoned by jealousy and mistrust.