online vocabulary.com

Hemlock - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Hemlock is a highly poisonous plant, often associated with the death of Socrates. It is also used to refer to evergreen trees in the pine family.

hemlock

/ˈhɛmˌlɑk/ /ˈhɛmlɒk/

Definition:

A poisonous plant or the poison derived from it, also a type of coniferous tree.

Synonyms:

poison, toxic plant, conifer, evergreen, yew

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

antidote, remedy

Common Collocations:

hemlock forest, hemlock tea, hemlock poisoning

Derivatives:

hemlocks, hemlocked

Usage Tips:

Use "hemlock" carefully; it often refers to poison but can also mean a tree—context clarifies meaning.

Common Phrases:

drink hemlock, Socrates' hemlock, hemlock grove

Etymology:

From Old English "hemlic," possibly related to "hymele," an old term for a poisonous plant.

Examples:

  • 1. The hemlock tree provides shade in the forest.
  • 2. Socrates was sentenced to drink hemlock as punishment.
  • 3. Avoid touching hemlock; it’s highly poisonous.
  • 4. The cabin was surrounded by towering hemlocks.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS