intoxication

noun

in·​tox·​i·​ca·​tion in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: the condition of having physical or mental control markedly diminished by the effects of alcohol or drugs

drank to the point of intoxication

cocaine intoxication

b

: a strong excitement or elation

The mere knowledge that they are on an island, a little world entirely surrounded by the sea, fills them with an indescribable intoxication …

—Christine Osborne

2

: an abnormal state that is essentially a poisoning

carbon monoxide intoxication

Synonyms

• drunkenness
• inebriation
• inebriety

Examples of intoxication in a Sentence

there's a firm distinction between the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages and overindulgence to the point of intoxication

the intoxication felt by two people who have just fallen in love

Recent Examples on the Web

The coroner determined that Cloud had a combination of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and benzodiazepine in his system, resulting in acute intoxication and ultimately death. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 21 Sep. 2023

Minutes later, emergency medical personnel arrived to find the children showing signs of opioid intoxication. —Jake Offenhartz, BostonGlobe.com, 19 Sep. 2023

Musso is accused of public intoxication and theft, in addition to other charges. —Hojun Choi, Dallas News, 28 Aug. 2023

Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill was arrested last year in Birmingham on misdemeanor charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct, records show. —Ryan Gillespie Orlando Sentinel (tns), al, 13 Sep. 2023

For example, excessive water intake can lead to water intoxication, which can be life-threatening. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2023

Most recently, Musso was arrested in Texas on suspicion of public intoxication and theft. —Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2023

The law, which went into effect Friday, says those convicted of intoxication manslaughter must pay restitution. —Michelle Watson, CNN, 2 Sep. 2023

Musso is accused of public intoxication, theft and other charges. —Tommy Cummings, Dallas News, 28 Aug. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

intoxication

noun

in·​tox·​i·​ca·​tion in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: an unhealthy state that is or is like a poisoning

carbon monoxide intoxication

b

: the condition of being drunk

2

: a strong excitement or elation

the intoxication of success

Medical Definition

intoxication

noun

in·​tox·​i·​ca·​tion in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: an abnormal state that is essentially a poisoning

hypokalemia potentiates digoxin intoxication

—W. H. Abelmann et al.

no evidence of cocaine intoxication

—Margaret M. McCarron et al.

acute carbon monoxide intoxication

2

: the condition of being drunk : inebriation

Legal Definition

intoxication

noun

in·​tox·​i·​ca·​tion in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the state or condition of being intoxicated

2

: a defense based on inability to form the requisite specific intent to commit a crime due to intoxication