Poison

(poi′zn), n. [Fr. poison, O. Sp. pozon, pocion, N. Sp. ponzoña, Pg. peçonha, Pr. poizō, It. pozione, from Lat. potio, a drink, draught, potion, a poisonous draught, from potare, to drink.]

1. Any substance which, when introduced into the animal organism, is capable of producing a morbid, noxious, or deadly effect upon it.
2. Any thing infectious or malignant; as, the poison of pestilential diseases.
3. Hence, that which taints or destroys moral purity or health; as, the poison of evil example; the poison of sin.

Syn. — Venom; bane; pest; ruin; malignity. — Poison, VENOM. Poison usually denotes something received into the system by the mouth, breath, &c. Venom is something applied externally, or discharged from animals, as by the bite or sting of serpents, scorpions, &c. Venom is also more active and malignant in its operation than poison, and hence is a stronger term. The figurative sense of these terms corresponds to the literal one. What is poisonous is received into the mind; what is venomous acts from abroad. Bad principles are poisonous; the shafts of envy are venomous. Like him that knew not poison's power to kill, Until, by tasting it, himself was slain. Davies. As the venom spread, Frightful convulsions writhed his tortured limbs. Fenton.