What does venomous mean?
Venomous is an adjective for an animal or other organism that can inject or otherwise deliver venom, a specialized poison used chiefly for defence, hunting or capture. The word is often applied to snakes, spiders, scorpions and similar animals, as well as to a venomous bite or sting. Venomous also describes a person, remark or action marked by intense hostility, bitterness or malicious intent, as in “a venomous speech.” In this figurative use, the connotation is especially sharp and hostile rather than merely critical. The adjective should be distinguished from poisonous: venom is typically introduced directly into another organism through a bite, sting or similar mechanism, whereas poison is generally encountered through ingestion or contact. Venomous is therefore useful when the manner of harm matters, and its figurative sense vividly evokes biting, damaging hostility.
adjectiveProducing or possessing venom, especially as a means of defence, hunting or capture; filled with intense malice or hostility.
- Producing or possessing venom; capable of delivering venom.
- Full of intense hostility, bitterness or malice.
"Her venomous response silenced everyone in the room."
"A venomous snake generally avoids people unless it feels threatened."
"The politician's venomous accusation generated a hostile response."
A venomous creature packs its poison into a syringe—often, in effect, a pair of fangs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does venomous come from?
Venomous entered English in the late Middle English as a borrowing of Latin venenosus, an adjective meaning “poisonous” formed from venenum, “poison.” The related English word venom came through Old French venin from the same Latin source. Other English words such as venene, venenate and venenosis likewise reflect the Latin root associated with poisoning.
Related word forms
How venomous is actually used
The adjective is conventional in both literal zoological contexts and figurative descriptions of speech, behaviour or attitudes. Its figurative sense is strongly hostile and emotionally cutting, often more severe than merely critical.
Easily confused with venomous
Venom is the poison itself, while venomous is the adjective describing something that produces or delivers it.
A venomous creature normally delivers venom by a bite, sting or similar mechanism, whereas a poisonous organism is generally dangerous when eaten, touched or otherwise encountered.