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

• 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

Rouse was charged in Kentucky with fleeing/evading, theft by unlawful taking (auto), possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication. —Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025

Alcohol has been shown to occasionally create unrest in society, but the researchers say that in ancient times, its social benefits tended to outweigh the negative effects of intoxication. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2025

The 44-year-old Cuban native had been charged with disorderly intoxication, causing a disturbance and trespassing following a dispute over a bill, according to the police report. —Madeleine Marr july 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025

The man was arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants for strangulation and public intoxication. —Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

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