I. ˈvenəm noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English venom, venum, venim, from Old French venim, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin venimen, alteration of Latin venenum drug, poison, magic potion, charm; akin to Latin venus love, sexual desire — more at win
1. : poisonous matter normally secreted by some animals (as snakes, scorpions, or bees) used chiefly in the taking of prey and in defense and communicated chiefly by biting or stinging ; broadly : material that is poisonous : matter fatal or injurious to life
2. : something that embitters or blights the mind or spirit as a poison blights the body: as
a. : a spiteful malicious feeling or state of mind : malignity
their belief in venom and jealousy behind the war — F.L.Paxson
b. : a venomous utterance
spouting venom — Kenneth Roberts
Synonyms: see poison
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English venomen, venimen, from Middle French venimer, from Old French, from venim venom
transitive verb
1. : to inject or injure with venom : corrupt , poison
2. archaic : to make venomous by or as if by application of a venom
intransitive verb
obsolete : to become envenomed