alcoholism

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

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

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

He was also being treated for alcoholism, and diagnosed with PTSD.

— maria finn, Longreads, "Can Love Sparked at Burning Man Last in Everyday Life?," 28 Aug. 2017
As years passed and sobriety remained, the alcoholism storyline is beginning to fade into the background some.

— matt wake, AL.com, "How Jason Isbell's 400 Unit became the E Street Band of their era," 23 Aug. 2017
While there are plenty of stories of glamorous parties, signature drinks, and hard to secure tables, alcoholism, addiction, and Prohibition have, of course, all played roles in the lives of these bars.

— lale arikoglu, CNT, "Where to Drink in New York Like a Literary Legend," 4 Aug. 2017
Just one month after their wedding, Joe checked into rehab for alcoholism.

— taysha murtaugh, Country Living, "Joe & Heather Nichols's Love Story Proves That Some Things Are Worth the Wait," 3 Aug. 2017
As part of her lengthy opening statement, Childress shifted the focus of jurors to the relationship Daniel and Jeffrey Rak shared, including their struggles with alcoholism and vows to sober up.

— dan campana, Elgin Courier-News, "Testimony begins in Burlington Township murder trial," 18 July 2017
ProPublica reported on Tuesday night that Kasowitz may not be able to obtain one due to his issues with alcoholism:

— margaret hartmann, Daily Intelligencer, "White House Infighting in Overdrive Following Latest Russia Controversy: Reports," 12 July 2017
In his personal life, playwright O'Neill, who suffered from depression and alcoholism before his death in 1953, had strained relations with his own family, including his children.

— philip potempa, Post-Tribune, "Goodman's 'Ah, Wilderness' a fun, family romp by Eugene O'Neill," 11 July 2017
Gospel stage production about family's struggle with alcoholism and their journey back to God through faith, hope and love.

— rasputin todd, Cincinnati.com, "Things to do this week: July 5-9," 5 July 2017

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

alcoholism Synonyms

Synonyms

intemperance, drunkenness, insobriety, intemperateness

Antonyms

sobriety, temperance

Related Words

inebriety, intoxication; bibulousness, dipsomania; debauchery, dissoluteness

Near Antonyms

abstention, abstinence, teetotalism

ALCOHOLISM Defined for English Language Learners

alcoholism

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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

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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

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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