(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
Poison is a substance that harms or kills people or animals if they swallow it or absorb it.
Poison from the weaver fish causes paralysis, swelling, and nausea...
Mercury is a known ~.
N-MASS
2.
If someone ~s another person, they kill the person or make them ill by giving them ~.
The rumours that she had ~ed him could never be proved.
VERB: V n
~ing
She was sentenced to twenty years’ imprisonment for ~ing and attempted murder.
N-UNCOUNT
3.
If you are ~ed by a substance, it makes you very ill and sometimes kills you.
Employees were taken to hospital yesterday after being ~ed by fumes...
Toxic waste could endanger lives and ~ fish.
VERB: be V-ed by n, V n
~ing
His illness was initially diagnosed as food ~ing.
N-UNCOUNT: supp N
4.
If someone ~s a food, drink, or weapon, they add ~ to it so that it can be used to kill someone.
If I was your wife I would ~ your coffee.
VERB: V n
~ed
He was terrified to eat, suspecting that the food was ~ed.
...an umbrella tipped with a ~ed dart.
ADJ
5.
To ~ water, air, or land means to damage it with harmful substances such as chemicals.
The land has been completely ~ed by chemicals.
...dying forests, ~ed rivers and lakes.
VERB: V n, V-ed
6.
Something that ~s a good situation or relationship spoils it or destroys it.
The whole atmosphere has really been ~ed.
...ill-feeling that will ~ further talk of a common foreign policy.
VERB: be V-ed, V n