Word
poisoning
Phoneticspoi·son·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɔɪzənɪŋ/
UK/pˈɔɪzənɪŋ/
Definitions
01illness from a toxin
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Medicine
n. the state of being sick because a harmful substance has entered your body.
n. the physiological condition or state of being affected by a toxic substance.
“He had to go to the hospital because of food poisoning from the old fish.”
“The patient exhibited classic symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including severe headaches and a distinctive confusion regarding his surroundings.”
Usage
Often used with a qualifying noun like 'food', 'lead', or 'blood'.
02the act of giving poison
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Formal
n. the act of giving someone or something a harmful substance to hurt or kill them.
n. the deliberate or accidental administration of a toxic substance to a living organism.
“The detective suspected that the death was a deliberate poisoning.”
“The forensic report confirmed that the mass poisoning of the local bird population was caused by illegal pesticides used on nearby farms.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Fifteen poisoning cases from Nepali honey were documented in South Korea as early as 2013.” “Fifteen poisoning cases from Nepalese honey were documented in South Korea as early as 2013.” “More than a third of those affected - some babies and others as old as 90 - have needed hospital care, with two developing serious blood poisoning.” Etymology
By surface analysis, poison + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/poisoning