# poisoned

/ˈpɔɪzənd/ (US) · /pˈɔɪzənd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/poisoned
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. containing poison

adjective · CEFR B2

containing a dangerous substance that can make you sick or kill you.

For teachers: containing or treated with a toxic substance; often used to describe weapons or food.

- The hunter used poisoned arrows to catch his prey in the jungle.
- The forensic team identified traces of a poisoned substance on the rim of the glass found at the crime scene.

### 3. harmful or toxic atmosphere

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary

having a very bad or harmful effect on a situation or a relationship.

For teachers: metaphorically corrupted or made extremely unpleasant; describing a toxic social or professional environment.

- The constant lies created a poisoned atmosphere in the office.
- The political discourse has become so poisoned by misinformation that compromise between the two parties now seems impossible.

## Examples

- The king died after drinking from a poisoned cup.
- The factory was fined for dumping chemicals that poisoned the local river and killed the fish.
- The atmosphere in the office became poisoned after the restructuring, leading to a complete breakdown in communication between the departments.

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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.