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.
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.