Poisoner

A poisoner is an individual who deliberately administers a toxic substance to another person, with the intention of causing harm, illness, or death. This act, often clandestine, involves the use of various poisons, which could be derived from plants, animals, chemicals, or other sources. Poisoners typically act with malice aforethought, meticulously planning their actions and concealing their motives. Their actions violate moral and legal codes, and their ultimate goal can range from financial gain, revenge, or eliminating a perceived obstacle. The term encompasses a wide spectrum of actors, from amateur dabblers to experienced individuals with knowledge of toxicology, and they frequently leave behind a trail of deception and manipulation.

Poisoner meaning with examples

• The detective suspected the wealthy widow was a seasoned poisoner, given the mysterious deaths of her husbands, all conveniently leaving her substantial inheritances. His investigation began by carefully reviewing the coroner's report for traces of any toxic substance, including substances that could be difficult to identify, hoping to unveil her deadly secret.
• Shakespeare's plays are full of fictional poisoners like Claudius in Hamlet, whose actions set the stage for tragedy. The poisoner, always driven by lust for power and the insidious urge to manipulate, serves as a dark reflection of human nature, and is often brought to justice.
• During the medieval ages, the rise of royal poisoners in Europe brought a whole new meaning to treason and betrayal. Many nobles met an untimely death after a sip of wine, a bite of food, or even through contaminated gloves, all at the hands of a poisoner plotting to obtain their power and wealth.
• The history books were filled with tales of poisoners working under royal commissions, tasked with eliminating political rivals or dissenting voices. They used subtle means, like gradually administering small doses of poison, making the death look like illness or old age to not raise any suspicions.
• In some thrillers and crime dramas, the poisoner is portrayed as a highly intelligent criminal, using their knowledge of chemistry or pharmacology to cover their tracks. They might be doctors, pharmacists or even botanists, skilled in masking the presence of toxins and creating believable alibis to avoid capture.