empoison
Very Low / ArchaicLiterary, Archaic, Historical
Definition
Meaning
To administer poison to someone or something; to poison.
To corrupt, embitter, or fill with malice or hatred (a person, atmosphere, situation, or relationship).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The modern equivalent is almost exclusively 'poison' (verb). 'Empoison' often carries a more formal, deliberate, or figurative sense of corrupting beyond the physical act.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Extremely rare in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary texts. Not used in contemporary American English.
Connotations
Archaism; evokes a historical, dramatic, or malicious context.
Frequency
Effectively obsolete in common usage for both. Used for stylistic effect.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] empoisons [Direct Object] (with [Instrument])[Subject] empoisons [Direct Object] against [Target]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to empoison the well (of something) = to corrupt a source or situation irreparably”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, only in historical/literary analysis.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used (toxicology uses 'poison' or 'contaminate').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The conspirators sought to empoison the king's wine.
- His constant negativity began to empoison the atmosphere in the office.
American English
- In the historical novel, the villain plots to empoison the town's water supply.
- Such rumours can empoison the public discourse against a candidate.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not applicable for this word at A2 level.)
- The old story tells of a queen who tried to empoison her rival.
- Bad feelings can empoison a friendship.
- The spy's mission was to empoison the general during the banquet.
- The scandal served only to empoison relations between the two departments.
- The playwright uses the metaphor of a tainted cup to show how jealousy can empoison the soul.
- His exile was spent writing pamphlets designed to empoison the populace against the ruling regime.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'EM' (into) + 'POISON' (toxin) = to put poison into something.
Conceptual Metaphor
MALICE / CORRUPTION IS A POISON.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'отравить' (to poison) which is the standard modern equivalent. 'Empoison' is a stylistic choice, not a common synonym.
- Avoid using it as a direct translation in modern contexts; it will sound unnatural.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in contemporary speech/writing.
- Spelling as 'empoisen' or 'impoison'.
- Confusing it with 'empoison' as a noun (it is a verb).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the verb 'empoison' be most appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic or literary. The modern verb is 'to poison'.
There is no difference in core meaning, but 'empoison' is an older, more formal form now used only for stylistic effect to evoke a historical or dramatic tone.
Yes, its figurative use (to corrupt or embitter) is common in the limited contexts where it appears, e.g., 'to empoison someone's mind'.
No. Learners should understand it when reading older texts but should use 'poison' in their own speaking and writing.