cold turkey

1 of 2

noun

1

: abrupt complete cessation of the use of an addictive drug

also : the symptoms experienced by a person undergoing withdrawal from a drug

2

: unrelieved blunt language or procedure

3

: a cold aloof person

cold-turkey

ˈkōld-ˈtər-kē 

transitive verb

cold turkey

2 of 2

adverb

: all at once : abruptly: such as

a

: without a period of gradual adjustment, adaptation, or withdrawal

quit smoking cold turkey

b

: without preparation

a new player who started the season cold turkey

Synonyms of cold turkey

Noun

• clam
• cold fish
• stick
• iceberg

Examples of cold turkey in a Sentence

Noun

I tried lots of ways to stop smoking, even cold turkey.

my new boss is a cold turkey and definitely not one for chitchat

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In a Journal Sentinel interview, one parent raised concerns that the clinics are abandoning ongoing treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy, leaving children to go cold turkey after years of taking either estrogen or testosterone. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 12 Jan. 2026

At first, the idea of going cold turkey is jarring and scary. —Lauren Decarlo, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Jan. 2026

Adverb

In a Journal Sentinel interview, one parent raised concerns that the clinics are abandoning ongoing treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy, leaving children to go cold turkey after years of taking either estrogen or testosterone. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 12 Jan. 2026

If stopping cold turkey feels uncomfortable, begin by giving yourself one or two cheat days throughout the week to enjoy your favorite drink. —Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1919, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1941, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cold turkey

• jerky
• murky
• perky
• quirky
• turki

Medical Definition

cold turkey

noun

cold tur·​key -ˈtər-kē 

: abrupt complete cessation of the use of an addictive drug

also : the symptoms experienced by one undergoing withdrawal from a drug

cold-turkey adverb or transitive verb