Poison
/ˈpɔɪ.zən/noun
A substance that can cause illness or death when introduced into the body.
Did you know?The word entered English through Old French, where it originally meant a drink or potion, showing how closely medieval language linked medicine, magic, and deadly brews.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*po(i)-
“to drink”
Latin
Latin
potio
“a drink, drinking, or a potion”
Late Latin
Latin
potionem
“a drink, draught, or medicinal potion”
Old French
Old French
poison
“a drink or potion; later, a harmful potion”
Middle English
English
poison
“a toxic substance, especially one intended to kill or harm”
Modern English
English
poison
“a substance that causes illness or death when absorbed by the body”