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
Christine Osborne2
: 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
Together, the officers from the disparate agencies form large crews to pull over motorists, serve warrants, block people from jumping fare gates at Metro subway stations, and crack down on low-level crimes such as drug possession and public intoxication.
—Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
Bailey Lyle, 27, and Richard Goode, 29, both died of accidental drug intoxication.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 26 Aug. 2025
What To Know Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound were alerted by a Puget Sound Pilot aboard the MSC Jubilee IX that the ship's captain was displaying signs of intoxication during a transit from an anchorage near Everett to Terminal 5 in Seattle.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
State police said mechanical error and impairment and intoxication of the driver have been ruled out.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intoxication
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Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
Bailey Lyle, 27, and Richard Goode, 29, both died of accidental drug intoxication.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 26 Aug. 2025
What To Know Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound were alerted by a Puget Sound Pilot aboard the MSC Jubilee IX that the ship's captain was displaying signs of intoxication during a transit from an anchorage near Everett to Terminal 5 in Seattle.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
State police said mechanical error and impairment and intoxication of the driver have been ruled out.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intoxication
Cite this Entry
“Intoxication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intoxication. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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.
W. H. Abelmann et al.no evidence of cocaine intoxication—Margaret M. McCarron et al.
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
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