intoxication
noun
in·tox·i·ca·tion
in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən
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 intoxication …—Christine 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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
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
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
1
: an abnormal state that is essentially a poisoning
hypokalemia potentiates digoxin intoxication—W. H. Abelmann et al.
no evidence of cocaine intoxication—Margaret 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
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
Nglish: Translation of intoxication for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of intoxication for Arabic Speakers
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