alcoholism

noun

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al·co·hol·ism | \ ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌli-zəm

, -kə-hə- \

Definition of alcoholism

1 : continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks

2a : 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 & Antonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing alcoholism Learn More About alcoholism

Examples of alcoholism in a Sentence

a treatment center for those suffering from alcoholism

Recent Examples on the Web His issues with drug addiction and alcoholism led to divorce in 1978, according to court records. — Rebekah L. Sanders, The Arizona Republic, 11 May 2022 During a recent interview with The Times, Keith Urban, 54, opened up about his battles with alcoholism and drug addiction, his road to recovery and the role his wife Nicole Kidman played in his journey to overcome addiction. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2022 Margera has been open about his struggles with alcoholism and rehab over the years, but Hollywood studios tend not to be open-minded about those problems. — Christian Holub, EW.com, 15 Apr. 2022 The stress of the confrontation combined with alcoholism and morbid obesity contributed to his death, the official said. — NBC News, 8 Apr. 2022 The San Diego native who has helped the recovery of countless others faced her own sobriety in 1956, a time when addiction and alcoholism often were misunderstood. — Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2022 In the past, Perry has been open about alcoholism and addiction. — Kelly Wynne, PEOPLE.com, 21 Feb. 2022 Make sure his physicians know about his alcoholism. — Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, 18 Aug. 2021 Make sure his physicians know about his alcoholism. — Amy Dickinson, chicagotribune.com, 18 Aug. 2021 See More

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.

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Dictionary Entries Near alcoholism

alcoholic

alcoholism

alcohol of crystallization

Statistics for alcoholism

Last Updated

24 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Alcoholism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholism. Accessed 26 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for alcoholism

alcoholism

noun

al·co·hol·ism | \ ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm

Kids Definition of alcoholism

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

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