Definition

The act of causing harm or illness by introducing a toxic substance into the body.

Example

The empoisonment of the water supply led to a public health crisis.

Conversation

Did you hear about that incident at the restaurant last night?

Yeah, it was all over the news — they said it was an empoisonment.

That's so scary! I can't believe something like that could happen.

Right? It makes you think twice about where to eat.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Empoisonment is formed from "empoisoner" (from Old French, meaning to poison) and the suffix "-ment" (meaning the action or result of). The word refers to the act or process of poisoning someone or something.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old French word 'empoisoner' which means to poison, and remember that 'empoisonment' refers to the action of causing poison.

Visually Confused Words