alcoholism

noun

al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌli-zəm 

-kə-hə-

1

: continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks

2

a

: a chronic, a progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.

b

: acute alcohol poisoning resulting from the usually rapid consumption of excessive alcoholic beverages

Synonyms

• drunkenness
• insobriety
• intemperance
• intemperateness

Examples of alcoholism in a Sentence

a treatment center for those suffering from alcoholism

Recent Examples on the Web

Many students come from homes that deal with alcoholism and drug abuse, Superintendent Deborah Dennison said. —Cheyanne Mumphrey, Sharon Lurye, and Morgan Lee, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Dec. 2024

The documentary, which premiered at the DOC NYC film festival, reveals how nightmares, explosive outbursts, severe pain, alcoholism and depression consumed the lives of these wartime heroes. —Lipi Roy, Md, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

In this realistic novel for young adults, Bella, 15, confronts her alcoholism and other problems in a rehab center. —Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024

Prohibition made no dent in alcoholism and wife beating. —Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alcoholism

• anti-alcoholism

Kids Definition

alcoholism

noun

al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm 

: continued, uncontrolled, and greater than normal use of alcoholic drinks

also : an abnormal bodily state associated with such use

Medical Definition

alcoholism

noun

al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm, -kə-hə- 

1

: continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks

2

: a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.

compare acute alcoholism