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.
Prosecutors said in their detention letter that a December raid of Tal Alexander's apartment in New York City found photographs and videos that showed Oren, Alon and third parties with women in states of intoxication and undress. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 With less water and more body fat than men, Whyte explains that alcohol becomes more concentrated in a woman’s system, leading to faster intoxication and prolonged exposure to its effects. Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 13 Jan. 2025 He was charged with intoxication manslaughter for the death of Ivory Smith, a 2nd-grade student at Klenk Elementary School in Houston. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 5 Dec. 2024 News outlets have also reported allegations of misconduct and intoxication while Hegseth led a veterans nonprofit, which his lawyer has denied. Banks, who is also a veteran, has been publicly supportive of Hegseth since Trump announced him as his Defense pick last month. Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 5 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 30 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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