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

Ford, who publicized her own struggle with alcoholism, was a national advocate for better treatment for addictions. —Kevin Sullivan, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023

The actor-playwright, now 53, was just 8 years old when his father died at the age of 51 in 1978, but created the play with the help of his dad's diary, which chronicled the English actor's lifelong struggle with alcoholism and tormented attempts to stop drinking. —Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023

That led to alcoholism, methamphetamine use and homelessness. —Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2023

Finding an inspiring light at the end of the tunnel has been a long time coming for Walsh, who sought refuge in music after a lonely childhood, and who battled alcoholism and cocaine addiction as an adult. —Rachel Desantis, Peoplemag, 4 Nov. 2023

The Newlyweds star previously detailed her struggle with alcoholism and prescription pills in her 2020 memoir, Open Book. —Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2023

Scientists are currently testing the drug’s efficacy as a treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction. —Chloe Taylor, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2023

It would not be known until years later that her mother suffered from brain damage, possibly caused by encephalitis and made worse by alcoholism. —Cathleen Decker, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2023

The wife of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican presidential candidate, is opening up about her long struggle with alcoholism, her path to sobriety and how the experience inspired her to become an advocate for eliminating the stigma around addiction and mental health. —Abc News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alcoholism

• anti-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