punch-drunk syndrome

noun

: chronic traumatic encephalopathy
The most important factor in the development of the punch-drunk syndrome seems to be time spent in the ring getting punched in the head.David Noonan

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web By the fifties, punch-drunk syndrome was being described as dementia pugilistica and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Ingfei Chen, The New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'punch-drunk syndrome.' 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

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of punch-drunk syndrome was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near punch-drunk syndrome

Cite this Entry

“Punch-drunk syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punch-drunk%20syndrome. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

punch-drunk syndrome

noun
: chronic traumatic encephalopathy
The most important factor in the development of the punch-drunk syndrome seems to be time spent in the ring getting punched in the head.David Noonan, The New York Times Magazine
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY