1. a tall tropical Asian tree that produces a poisonous milky sap
Usage: botanical
2. something that has a harmful or corrupting influence
Usage: literary

Examples

• The upas tree is native to Java and other parts of Southeast Asia.
• Local tribes traditionally used upas sap to poison their arrows.
• The explorer warned against touching the bark of the upas tree.
• In his speech, he described corruption as an upas that spreads through society.
• The novel portrayed greed as an upas that destroyed the family.
• She viewed gossip as an upas that poisoned relationships.