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
Christine Osborne2
: 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
In assessing a life prison term for DeAujalae Evans, the jury selected the most severe penalty for intoxication manslaughter causing the death of a peace officer, the offense to which Evan pleaded guilty as the jury began to hear evidence in the case of the death of Sgt.
—Emerson Clarridge
updated March 30, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
De Aujalae Evans admitted just hours into the first day of her trial to intoxication manslaughter in the death of Sgt.
—Briauna Brown, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Jones said no criminal charges are expected, as there was no evidence of intoxication or excessive speed by either driver.
—Timia Cobb, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
The distinction between world and cockpit isn’t noticeable except at the edges of experience, such as during extreme episodes of drug intoxication and, well, death.
—Caleb Crain, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intoxication
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Emerson Clarridge
updated March 30, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
De Aujalae Evans admitted just hours into the first day of her trial to intoxication manslaughter in the death of Sgt.
—Briauna Brown, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Jones said no criminal charges are expected, as there was no evidence of intoxication or excessive speed by either driver.
—Timia Cobb, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
The distinction between world and cockpit isn’t noticeable except at the edges of experience, such as during extreme episodes of drug intoxication and, well, death.
—Caleb Crain, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intoxication
Cite this Entry
“Intoxication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intoxication. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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.
W. H. Abelmann et al.no evidence of cocaine intoxication—Margaret M. McCarron et al.
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
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