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
Back in 2020, Wallen was disinvited from SNL for breaking the show's COVID-19 quarantine protocols the same year he was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2025
Haley Joel Osment is speaking out after his arrest for public intoxication at a California ski resort last week, during which bodycam video shows the former child star using an antisemitic slur.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
Haley Joel Osment was charged with cocaine possession and public intoxication after his arrest in Mammoth Lakes, California, on April 8, Fox News Digital has confirmed.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
The actor was arrested on April 8 at the Mammoth Mountain ski resort on suspicion of public intoxication.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intoxication
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Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 Apr. 2025
Haley Joel Osment is speaking out after his arrest for public intoxication at a California ski resort last week, during which bodycam video shows the former child star using an antisemitic slur.
—Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025
Haley Joel Osment was charged with cocaine possession and public intoxication after his arrest in Mammoth Lakes, California, on April 8, Fox News Digital has confirmed.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
The actor was arrested on April 8 at the Mammoth Mountain ski resort on suspicion of public intoxication.
—Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 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 4 May. 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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