Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
mithridatism
noun
/ˌmɪθ.rɪˈdæt.ɪ.zəm/
Definition
The practice of building immunity or resistance to a poison by gradually exposing oneself to it.
Examples
- He believed in mithridatism, so he consumed small doses of various toxins to build his resistance.
- Mithridatism has been used historically by those who feared assassination by poisoning.
Meaning
Mithridatism refers to the process of developing an immunity to a toxin through repeated, controlled exposure, named after King Mithridates VI of Pontus, who is said to have defended himself against poisons.
Synonyms
- Immunization
- Resistance
