French word

empoisonnement

Pronunciation

IPA/ɑ̃pwazɔnəmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpoisoning

Example

Il y a eu un empoisonnement après le repas.

There was a case of poisoning after the meal.

Illustration for empoisonnement (poisoning)

More examples

Les autorités ont confirmé un empoisonnement alimentaire.

The authorities confirmed a case of food poisoning.

Core concept

The body reacting dangerously after poison has been swallowed, inhaled, or otherwise introduced.

Common phrases

  • empoisonnement alimentaire

    food poisoning

  • empoisonnement accidentel

    accidental poisoning

Similar words

intoxication: Acute poisoning symptoms after consuming food or medicine or being exposed to chemicals.
poison: A harmful substance that can injure living organisms.
allergie: An excessive immune response to a specific substance, causing a rash or breathing problems.

Definition in French

Désigne soit l'introduction accidentelle ou volontaire d'une substance toxique dans l'organisme, soit la maladie grave qui en découle.

Word origin

Empoisonnement is formed from the verb empoisonner and the noun-forming suffix -ment; poison traces back through Old French to Latin potionem, 'drink'.

Usage tips

  • For food poisoning as a general illness, French commonly uses intoxication alimentaire, while empoisonnement can suggest poisoning by a toxic substance or a deliberate act.

Other meanings

  • food poisoningnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • empoisonnerpoisonverb
  • empoisonnépoisonedadjective
  • empoisonneurpoisonernoun

Word lists with this word