poisoning

word · lemma: poison

/ˈpɔɪzənɪŋ/
POY-zuh-ning
/pˈɔɪzənɪŋ/
POY-zuh-ning

Definition

Poisoning is illness, injury, or death caused by swallowing, breathing, touching, or otherwise absorbing a harmful substance. It can also mean the act of giving poison to a person, animal, or other living thing.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used as an uncountable noun for a medical condition: 'food poisoning', 'carbon monoxide poisoning'. In crime or animal contexts, it can refer to the deliberate act of giving poison. Common collocations are 'suspected poisoning', 'accidental poisoning', and 'signs of poisoning'.

Example Sentences

The doctor said it was food poisoning.

basic

The dog died from rat poisoning.

basic

Police are investigating a possible poisoning.

basic

I was so sick after dinner that I thought I had poisoning.

natural

They ruled out poisoning after the lab results came back.

natural

The article raised concerns about lead poisoning in older homes.

natural