Arsenicize

/ɑrˈsenɪsaɪz/ verb

Definition

To treat with arsenic; to make arsenical or to poison with arsenic compounds.

Etymology

From arsenic + the suffix -ize (forming verbs meaning to cause to become or treat with). This American-influenced spelling mirrors British 'arsenicise.'

Kelly Says

The verb 'to arsenicize' shows chemistry's confidence problem—creating a verb that means 'to poison' suggests a casual attitude toward toxins that would horrify modern toxicologists.

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