# poisoning

/ˈpɔɪzənɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈɔɪzənɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. illness from a toxin

noun · CEFR B2

the state of being sick because a harmful substance has entered your body.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. the act of giving poison

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of giving someone or something a harmful substance to hurt or kill them.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He went to the hospital with food poisoning.
- The factory was fined after several workers suffered from lead poisoning due to poor safety equipment.
- The forensic report confirmed that the victim died of carbon monoxide poisoning, likely caused by a faulty heating system in the poorly ventilated apartment.

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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.