veneno
nounCEFR B2
What does “veneno” mean in English?
poison, toxin
poison, toxin (a substance that causes harm; veneno de serpiente; un veneno para las relaciones — figurative)
Example sentences
Las redes sociales pueden ser un veneno para la autoestima de los adolescentes cuando no se usan con criterio.
Social media can be a poison for adolescents' self-esteem when used without judgement.
El veneno de ciertas arañas tropicales puede causar parálisis en pocas horas si no se administra el antídoto.
The venom of certain tropical spiders can cause paralysis within hours if the antidote is not administered.
La envidia es un veneno que corroe las relaciones personales de quienes no logran gestionarla.
Envy is a poison that corrodes the personal relationships of those who cannot manage it.
How to use it
El veneno (noun, masculine) means 'poison' or 'venom' — a substance that causes harm or death. Key collocations: picadura de veneno; veneno de serpiente; ser un veneno para; veneno lento. At B2, figurative use is very common: ser un veneno para la sociedad/la salud/las relaciones. The adjective is venenoso/a (poisonous/venomous). Distinguish from droga (drug — may be medicinal or recreational) and tóxico (toxic substance — broader, often industrial).
Common mistake
Veneno (substance) vs. venenoso/a (adjective: poisonous). 'Toxic' as an adjective = tóxico/a (not *venenoso/a for chemical toxins). Ser un veneno para = to be toxic/harmful to (figurative). Antídoto = antidote (against venom/poison). Snake venom = veneno de serpiente; also ponzoña (archaic/literary). Droga ≠ veneno.