alcoholism

noun

al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌli-zəm 

-kə-hə-

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

Synonyms

• drunkenness
• insobriety
• intemperance
• intemperateness

Examples of alcoholism in a Sentence

a treatment center for those suffering from alcoholism

Recent Examples on the Web

One woman spoke about how a friend at rehab had invited her running at the tail end of her recovery from alcoholism: having a new way to occupy her body saved her from old cravings. —Alexandra Kleeman, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2024

Trump cites his older brother Fred’s struggle with alcoholism as a reason for never touching the stuff. —Brady Brickner-Wood, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024

However, Brown and Whitney also dealt with addiction, alcoholism and marital strife. —Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 7 Oct. 2024

Affleck has reluctantly shared parts of his recovery from alcoholism. —Erin Clements, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alcoholism

• anti-alcoholism

Kids Definition

alcoholism

noun

al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm 

: continued, uncontrolled, and greater than normal use of alcoholic drinks

also : an abnormal bodily state associated with such use

Medical Definition

alcoholism

noun

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

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

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.

compare acute alcoholism