intoxication

noun

in·​tox·​i·​ca·​tion in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce intoxication (audio)
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 intoxicationChristine Osborne
2
: an abnormal state that is essentially a poisoning
carbon monoxide intoxication

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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intoxication.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of intoxication was in 1624

Dictionary Entries Near intoxication

Cite this Entry

“Intoxication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intoxication. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

intoxication

noun
in·​tox·​i·​ca·​tion in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce intoxication (audio)
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 How to pronounce intoxication (audio)
1
: an abnormal state that is essentially a poisoning
hypokalemia potentiates digoxin intoxicationW. H. Abelmann et al.
no evidence of cocaine intoxicationMargaret 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 How to pronounce intoxication (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on intoxication

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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