Word Meaning
सम
samm
hinoun (masculine)
Meaning
Poison, venom, or a deadly substance.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Arabic and Persian-influenced Urdu poetry, 'samm' denotes fatal poison or venom. In this couplet, it is placed in direct antithesis to 'aab-e-haiwaan' (the elixir of life), demonstrating how the beloved's bitter words transform what should be life-giving sweetness into fatal poison.
Etymology
Arabic سَمّ (samm), meaning poison or toxin.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'samm' is typically deployed in rhetorical opposition (san'at-e-tazaad) to life-giving substances like amrit or aab-e-hayaat to dramatize emotional torment.
Examples
To drink poison mistaking it for nectar.
His bitter words became pure poison to my heart.
Synonyms
ज़हरविषमाहुर
Related Words
तल्ख़आब-ए-हैवाँहलाहल