# hemlock

/ˈhɛmˌɫɑk/ (US) · /hˈɛmlɒk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hemlock
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a poisonous plant with dark green leaves and small white flowers. People use the name to describe a type of tree or a very strong poison.

For teachers: a poisonous plant of the genus Tsuga, or a poison derived from the sap of the coniferous tree Taxus. Often used metaphorically to describe something extremely dangerous or harmful.

## Examples

- The gardener warned us not to touch the hemlock.
- The ancient Greeks used hemlock to execute prisoners, though the plant is also a common ornamental tree in many parks.
- The poet used the image of hemlock to evoke a sense of inevitable death, drawing on the plant's historical association with the execution of Socrates.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.