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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
People suffering from mental health emergencies or extreme intoxication are often involved in these scenarios, as revealed in a 2023 investigation by this news organization that found serious police force was used disproportionately against these populations. Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2024 The Addiction study does not prove that GLP-1 medications directly lower the risks of opioid overdose and alcohol intoxication, only that people taking them seemed to be helped. Dr. Faizah Shareef, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2024 Alcohol was frequently mentioned as a contributing factor to this mindset, suggesting that—in some cases—intoxication provided an easy cop-out for the affair. Mark Travers, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 Some city leaders have pushed for more action to address public intoxication, and the state is encouraging the clearing out of encampments. Destiny Torres, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 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 8 Nov. 2024.

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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