Etymology Map
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Poison

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a substance that causes illness or death

Where does the word "poison" come from? It comes from Latin potio, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
potio
Latin · ancient
"a drink"
the same root as 'potion'
2
Stage 2 of 3
poison
Old French · medieval
"draught; poison"
a drink, especially a medicinal or magic one
3
Stage 3 of 3
poison
English · 1200s
"a deadly substance"
'potion' was later borrowed separately, keeping the neutral sense
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Read the full story

Poison’s story begins in Latin: potio meant “a drink.” The same root as 'potion'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as poison. A drink, especially a medicinal or magic one. It reached English by 1200s as poison. 'potion' was later borrowed separately, keeping the neutral sense. Today, poison means a substance that causes illness or death.