intoxication

noun

in·​tox·​i·​ca·​tion in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce intoxication (audio)
1
a
: the condition of having physical or mental control markedly diminished by the effects of alcohol or drugs
drank to the point of intoxication
cocaine intoxication
b
: a strong excitement or elation
The mere knowledge that they are on an island, a little world entirely surrounded by the sea, fills them with an indescribable intoxicationChristine Osborne
2
: an abnormal state that is essentially a poisoning
carbon monoxide intoxication

Examples of intoxication in a Sentence

there's a firm distinction between the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages and overindulgence to the point of intoxication the intoxication felt by two people who have just fallen in love
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Police said Ortiz was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter. Mike Stunson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Jan. 2025 The hope is that the information will help owners and employees recognize possible patterns, such as when patrons are leaving too drunk or act as a catalyst to retrain staff on signs of intoxication. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024 Salazar mentioned that the driver responsible for the crash may have a medical history that contributed to the incident, though there is no indication of intoxication. Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 20 Dec. 2024 Kim entered rehab the following year, and also spent time in rehab in 2015 after being charged with public intoxication. Becca Longmire, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intoxication 

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of intoxication was in 1624

Dictionary Entries Near intoxication

Cite this Entry

“Intoxication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intoxication. Accessed 16 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

intoxication

noun
in·​tox·​i·​ca·​tion in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce intoxication (audio)
1
a
: an unhealthy state that is or is like a poisoning
carbon monoxide intoxication
b
: the condition of being drunk
2
: a strong excitement or elation
the intoxication of success

Medical Definition

intoxication

noun
in·​tox·​i·​ca·​tion in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce intoxication (audio)
1
: an abnormal state that is essentially a poisoning
hypokalemia potentiates digoxin intoxicationW. H. Abelmann et al.
no evidence of cocaine intoxicationMargaret M. McCarron et al.
acute carbon monoxide intoxication
2
: the condition of being drunk : inebriation

Legal Definition

intoxication

noun
in·​tox·​i·​ca·​tion in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce intoxication (audio)
1
: the state or condition of being intoxicated
2
: a defense based on inability to form the requisite specific intent to commit a crime due to intoxication

More from Merriam-Webster on intoxication

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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