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
Prosecutors said in their detention letter that a December raid of Tal Alexander's apartment in New York City found photographs and videos that showed Oren, Alon and third parties with women in states of intoxication and undress.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
With less water and more body fat than men, Whyte explains that alcohol becomes more concentrated in a woman’s system, leading to faster intoxication and prolonged exposure to its effects.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 13 Jan. 2025
He was charged with intoxication manslaughter for the death of Ivory Smith, a 2nd-grade student at Klenk Elementary School in Houston.
—Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Fox News, 5 Dec. 2024
News outlets have also reported allegations of misconduct and intoxication while Hegseth led a veterans nonprofit, which his lawyer has denied.
Banks, who is also a veteran, has been publicly supportive of Hegseth since Trump announced him as his Defense pick last month.
—Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Dec. 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 30 Jan. 2025.
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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