alcoholism

noun al·co·hol·ism \ ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌli-zəm , -kə-hə- \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 2018

Examples: alcoholism in a Sentence

Definition of alcoholism

1 : continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks

2 a : a chronic, a progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.

b : acute alcohol poisoning resulting from the usually rapid consumption of excessive alcoholic beverages

See alcoholism defined for English-language learners

See alcoholism defined for kids

Examples of alcoholism in a Sentence

a treatment center for those suffering from alcoholism

Recent Examples of alcoholism from the Web

Among other things, the law ended what was called the inappropriate, indefinite, and involuntary commitment of people with mental illness, developmental disabilities and chronic alcoholism.

— gary warth, sandiegouniontribune.com, "For some parents of mentally ill, Laura's Law falls short," 11 June 2018
The late David Cassidy opened up about the toll alcoholism took on him in an interview shortly before his death.

— hal boedeker, OrlandoSentinel.com, "'America's Got Talent,' 'Bachelorette' feature Orlando hopefuls," 10 June 2018
Kirwan's escalating alcoholism led to confrontations with the other members of the band, including an altercation with Welch, and Fleetwood, who had become the acting manager of the band, fired him in 1972.

— NBC News, "Former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Danny Kirwan dies at 68," 10 June 2018
National studies paint a similar picture: the alcoholism rate for lawyers is double that of the general population, and lawyers are nearly four times more likely to suffer from severe depression (source: National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being).

— jane wooldridge, miamiherald, "Following wave of suicides, Florida Bar president put mental health on the docket," 9 June 2018
Brigham Young University researchers found social isolation is as much of a threat to longevity as obesity is, and loneliness is about as risky as alcoholism or smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

— radha agrawal, Glamour, "Is Your Tribe Helping or Hurting Your Mental Health?," 1 June 2018
Nearly seven years ago, Jasmine was trapped in a cycle of despair fueled by alcoholism.

— CNN, "To be herself, she needs to change her body. But first, comes the battle with insurers," 31 May 2018
Last month, in a post on the website Medium, Louis said the punch was prompted by her ex-husband's alcoholism.

— grant butler, OregonLive.com, "Chef Jenn Louis puts North Portland restaurant Ray up for sale," 29 May 2018
By the early '90s, psychiatrists treating urban residents were diagnosing sleep disorders, extreme startle responses, flashbacks, lost hope for the future, homelessness, alcoholism, suicide and even biochemical changes in the brain.

— john schmid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "With PTSD reaching well beyond combat vets, trauma experts see need for 'healing spaces'," 18 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alcoholism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of alcoholism

1848

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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alcoholism Synonyms

ALCOHOLISM Defined for English Language Learners

alcoholism

noun

Definition of alcoholism for English Language Learners

: a medical condition in which someone frequently drinks too much alcohol and becomes unable to live a normal and healthy life

ALCOHOLISM Defined for Kids

alcoholism

noun al·co·hol·ism \ ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm \

Definition of alcoholism for Students

: continued, uncontrolled, and greater than normal use of alcoholic drinks accompanied by physical and mental dependence on alcohol

Medical Dictionary

alcoholism

noun al·co·hol·ism \ ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm, -kə-hə- \

medical Definition of alcoholism

1 : continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks

2 : a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

— compare acute alcoholism