delirium tremens

noun

delirium tre·​mens -ˈtrē-mənz  -ˈtre- 

: a violent delirium with tremors that is induced by excessive and prolonged use of alcoholic liquors

called also d.t.'s

Examples of delirium tremens in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Symptoms typically peak within the first 24 to 48 hours and can range from mild anxiety and shakiness to severe complications like seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). —Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023

Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal vary widely among people experiencing it, and can include anything from insomnia, anxiety, or agitation in mild cases, to delirium tremens, seizures, or hallucinations in severe cases, the agency says. —Andi Babineau, CNN, 13 Jan. 2023

But with cannabis, users essentially eliminate risk of death by liver cirrhosis, delirium tremens, lung cancer and respiratory depression. —WSJ, 27 June 2022

If left untreated, delirium tremens can trigger cardiovascular collapse. —Carly Vandergriendt, SELF, 17 May 2022

Around half of all people who have a seizure during alcohol withdrawal will experience delirium tremens, a medical emergency that affects 3 to 5% of people with a history of alcohol abuse. —Carly Vandergriendt, SELF, 17 May 2022

Alcohol withdrawal that progresses to delirium tremens causes intense hallucinations, as well as severe confusion, disorientation, and agitation. —Carly Vandergriendt, SELF, 17 May 2022

As the story’s conclusion approaches, Birnam begins to battle with delirium tremens. —The Economist, 30 Nov. 2020

Originally, the idea had come from Italy, where sodium oxybate is used both to treat the delirium tremens of alcohol withdrawal and to wean those with addiction off drinking. —Eric Boodman, STAT, 10 Feb. 2020

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, trembling delirium

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

delirium tremens

noun

delirium tre·​mens -ˈtrē-mənz  -ˈtrem-ənz 

: a violent delirium with tremors that is induced by excessive and prolonged use of alcoholic liquors

called also d.t.'s