poisonous

/ˈpɔɪzɪnɪs/

/ˈpɔɪzənəs/

What do arsenic, cyanide, and bleach all have in common? They're poisonous. In other words, if you ingest these poisonous chemicals, you will most likely die or become very ill.

If something is poisonous, you'd better not eat, drink, inhale, or touch it: it will make you sick. Some poisonous materials can even kill you. Of course, this adjective is derived from the noun poison, which is a toxic substance. You can also calls things poisonous if they're harmful in less physical ways. Spreading lies about someone is poisonous. Betraying a friend is poisonous. What both kinds of poisonous things have in common is that they do damage.

Definitions of poisonous

1. adjective

   having the qualities or effects of a poison
   synonyms: toxicant

   toxic

   of or relating to or caused by a toxin or poison
2. adjective

   not safe to eat
   synonyms:

   inedible, uneatable

   not suitable for food
3. adjective

   marked by deep ill will; deliberately harmful
   “poisonous hate”

   synonyms: venomous, vicious

   malicious

   having the nature of or resulting from malice