alcoholism

noun

al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce alcoholism (audio)
-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

Examples of alcoholism in a Sentence

a treatment center for those suffering from alcoholism
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Indeed, much of the film plays out in helpless voicemails and heavy-hearted phone conversations that have been had before: Nuala’s alcoholism stunts not just her life, but those of family members running out of ways to help. Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024 Individuals with chronic alcoholism, and people taking long-term antiseizure medications, are also at risk for biotin deficiency, Keen adds. Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024 One of Walz's former players on the 1998 Mankato West team shared details of his interactions with Walz while dealing with alcoholism and issues with the law. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 31 Oct. 2024 The first two seasons of Somebody Somewhere depicted Sam lost in her grief over the death of one of her sisters, grappling with her mother’s alcoholism, and facing her older sister Trish’s constant judgment. Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alcoholism 

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcoholism was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near alcoholism

Cite this Entry

“Alcoholism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholism. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

alcoholism

noun
al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce alcoholism (audio)
: 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- How to pronounce alcoholism (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on alcoholism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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