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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 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 11 Nov. 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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