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 of intoxication

• alcoholism
• inebriation
• drunkenness
• 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

James Farthing, 51, of Georgetown, was charged with alcohol intoxication in a public place. — Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Sep. 2026

Fort Worth Police tell PEOPLE that 27-year-old Sergio Escorza, the driver of the truck that hit Dwabe, was arrested and is facing an intoxication manslaughter charge. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026

Introduced in a state of drunken collapse, Anderson — fearful, bitter, despairing, protective — is quite magnificent limning different levels of intoxication. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Sergio Escorza, 27, was arrested and faces an intoxication manslaughter charge, police said. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for intoxication

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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