venomous

[ven-uh-muhs]

adjective

1. (of an animal) having a gland or glands for secreting venom; able to inflict a poisoned bite, sting, or wound.

   a venomous snake.

2. full of or containing venom; poisonous.

   a venomous wound; a venomous potion.

3. spiteful; malignant.

   a venomous attack; a venomous tongue.

   Synonyms: ill-disposed, rancorous, hostile, malicious

Other Word Forms

• venomously adverb
• venomousness noun
• venomness noun
• nonvenomous adjective
• nonvenomously adverb
• nonvenomousness noun
• unvenomous adjective
• unvenomously adverb
• unvenomousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of venomous¹

1250–1300; Middle English venim ( o ) us < Anglo-French venimus ( Old French venimeux ). See venom, -ous

Example Sentences

Inspired by the venomous novel by Warren Adler, both films are metaphors for building a home and then tearing it down, although the chandelier this time is merely incidental.

From Los Angeles Times

Besides the turtles, Lin also exported 11 other parcels filled with reptiles, including venomous snakes, according to the Justice Department.

From BBC

They’ve been told to buddy up when taking trips to the latrines because of “alligators and Florida panthers and venomous snakes and different types of creatures.”

From Salon

It was a dramatic end to a wonderful Sunday, one played on a surface that suddenly became venomous.

From BBC

More storms are expected in the next 24-48 hours in the region, which could hamper rescue teams who are already facing venomous snakes as they sift through mud and debris.

From BBC

Related Words

• destructive 
• malicious 
• noxious 
• rancorous 
• spiteful 
• vicious 
• virulent