(a) To harm or kill (sb.) by inflicting a venomous bite, sting, etc.; poison (sb., oneself, the heart); also [quot. a1500 Apoc.(2)], inject venom into someone by means of a sting;—used in fig. context; ppl. veniminge as adj.: inflicting a venomous bite or sting, poisonous; (b) to render (sth.) poisonous; anoint (a weapon) with poison or a toxic substance; of a hawk: envenom (itself) by anointing its talons with a toxic substance; ppl. venimedej, poisonous, deadly; also, poisoned; also, toxic; (c) to infect (the world) with pestilence, sicken, corrupt; ppl. venimede, of a wound: infected, festered.

Fig. (a) To wound the heart of (a lover) by introducing discomfiting feelings [1st quot.]; also, harm (sb.) spiritually by infusing sinfulness, malignant feelings, etc.; corrupt (sb., an institution, a nation, etc.) morally or spiritually, exert a malign influence on; also, act as a corrupting force or influence [last quot.]; (b) ppl. venimede, rendered spiritually or morally injurious, malignant.