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.
Residents voiced concerns over safety and public intoxication during public comment ahead of the decision. James Powel, USA Today, 16 May 2025 However, the deputy noted that the man showed four out of eight indicators of intoxication during the walk and turn test and four out of four indicators during the one leg stand test, the lawsuit said. Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025 But the officers arrested him on a charge of public intoxication and took him to the county jail, according to the lawsuit. Julia Marnin, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2025 One of the friends, the 17-year-old girl, took at least one of the pills and died from acute fentanyl intoxication. Andrea Klick, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intoxication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intoxication. Accessed 26 May. 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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