Definition

An injury caused by the bite of a snake, often resulting in poisoning, especially if the snake is venomous.

Example

He was rushed to the hospital after suffering a snakebite while hiking in the woods.

Conversation

Did you hear about that guy who got a snakebite while hiking?

No way! That sounds really dangerous.

Yeah, they said it was a venomous snake too.

I hope he's okay! That's definitely a scary situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Snakebite → It is formed from "snake" (from Old English "snaca", meaning a serpent or snake) and "bite" (from Old English "bītan", meaning to cut or pierce with the teeth). The word "snakebite" refers to the act of a snake piercing the skin with its fangs.

Memory Tip

Imagine a snake using its fangs to 'pierce' ('bite') the skin — that's what a snakebite is.

Visually Confused Words