intoxication

play

noun in·tox·i·ca·tion \ in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən \

Definition of intoxication

1 :an abnormal state that is essentially a poisoning

carbon monoxide intoxication

2 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

See intoxication defined for kids

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 of intoxication from the Web

According to online court records, 22-year-old Speck Mellencamp was arrested by Bloomington Police on suspicion of resisting law enforcement and public intoxication.

— justin l. mack, The Courier-Journal, "John Mellencamp's son, Speck, arrested in Bloomington," 17 July 2017
Further, more than half of the unarmed people killed by police suffered from mental-health issues, drug intoxication, physical disability, or some combination of them.

— nick selby, National Review, "Police Aren’t Targeting and Killing Black Men," 17 July 2017
Suzette Gordon, 52, was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication upon landing at DFW and was escorted off the plane by airport police.

— ajc homepage, ajc, "Police: Woman on flight slaps attendant, bangs on cockpit door after being refused alcohol," 15 July 2017
Russell was ultimately arrested four times, three involving public intoxication and possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia.

— jeffrey lee puckett, The Courier-Journal, "'I was just gone.' After manic episode, Lebowski Fest founder Will Russell embraces recovery," 5 July 2017
An individual was arrested for public intoxication of alcohol.

— star-telegram, star-telegram.com, "Mansfield Police Report," 27 June 2017
Public intoxication is a violation, but the latter two charges are Class B and C misdemeanors, respectively, with the more severe carrying a punishment of up to six months jail time and $3,000 fine.

— james crepea, AL.com, "Former Auburn softball All-American Branndi Melero arrested," 26 June 2017
As a result, a medical examiner determined, the baby suffered hyponatremia, a critical dilution of sodium in her body caused by water intoxication.

— keith l. alexander, Washington Post, "Parents plead guilty in starving death and abuse of 7-week-old daughter," 26 June 2017
Likewise, Teller is now attempting to convince us all that his recent arrest for public intoxication is not actually his fault.

— lisa ryan, The Cut, "Miles Teller Has an Interesting Excuse for His Public Intoxication Arrest," 20 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intoxication.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of intoxication

15th century

intoxication Synonyms

Synonyms

drunkenness, inebriation, inebriety

Antonyms

depression

Related Words

tipsiness; insobriety, intemperance; alcoholism; bender, binge, brannigan, jag, souse, spree, toot

Near Antonyms

misery, sadness, unhappiness, woe, wretchedness; blues, dejection, desolation, despair, despondency, disconsolateness, disheartenment, dispiritedness, doldrums, downheartedness, dreariness, dumps, forlornness, gloom, gloominess, heartsickness, melancholy, mopes

INTOXICATION Defined for Kids

intoxication

play

noun in·tox·i·ca·tion \ in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən \

Definition of intoxication for Students

1 :the condition of being drunk

2 :an unhealthy state that is or is like a poisoning

carbon monoxide intoxication

Medical Dictionary

intoxication

play

noun in·tox·i·ca·tion \ in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən \

medical Definition of intoxication

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

Law Dictionary

intoxication

play

noun in·tox·i·ca·tion \ in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən \

legal Definition of intoxication

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

Learn More about intoxication

See words that rhyme with intoxication Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for intoxication Spanish Central: Translation of intoxication Nglish: Translation of intoxication for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of intoxication for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up intoxication? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

intoxication

Definition of intoxication

From the M-W Editors

Examples of intoxication in a Sentence

Recent Examples of intoxication from the Web

First Known Use of intoxication

intoxication Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

INTOXICATION Defined for Kids

intoxication

Definition of intoxication for Students

Medical Dictionary

intoxication

medical Definition of intoxication

Law Dictionary

intoxication

legal Definition of intoxication

Learn More about intoxication

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Meat Sweats': The Cookout's Worst Nightmare

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066