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
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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
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
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.
no evidence of cocaine intoxication—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
More from Merriam-Webster on intoxication
Nglish: Translation of intoxication for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of intoxication for Arabic Speakers
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