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
Christine Osborne2
: 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
At this time, alcohol or drug intoxication do not appear to be contributing factors to the collision, police said.
—Harry Harris, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
But increasingly, some of the industry’s biggest bets are not on traditional beer or liquor, but on products designed to recreate the social experience of drinking without intoxication.
—Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Jackson, who always maintained his innocence, died in 2009 due to acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026
The department said its Gaslamp Enforcement teams can face large crowds, active fights and high levels of intoxication and sometimes deal with situations that quickly escalate.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for intoxication
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Harry Harris, Mercury News, 26 May 2026
But increasingly, some of the industry’s biggest bets are not on traditional beer or liquor, but on products designed to recreate the social experience of drinking without intoxication.
—Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Jackson, who always maintained his innocence, died in 2009 due to acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026
The department said its Gaslamp Enforcement teams can face large crowds, active fights and high levels of intoxication and sometimes deal with situations that quickly escalate.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for intoxication
Cite this Entry
“Intoxication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intoxication. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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.
W. H. Abelmann et al.no evidence of cocaine intoxication—Margaret M. McCarron et al.
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
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