alcoholism

noun

al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌli-zəm 

-kə-hə-

1

: continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks

2

a

: a chronic, a progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.

b

: acute alcohol poisoning resulting from the usually rapid consumption of excessive alcoholic beverages

Synonyms

• drunkenness
• insobriety
• intemperance
• intemperateness

Examples of alcoholism in a Sentence

a treatment center for those suffering from alcoholism

Recent Examples on the Web

And her father John Drew Barrymore had a history of alcoholism. —Wendy Naugle, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024

Winfrey likened the struggle some people have with obesity to those who have a propensity to alcoholism in terms of how bodies are predisposed to respond differently. —Lisa Respers France, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024

Stationed at the bar is Skunk (D’Arcy Carden), a former pro-bowler champion whose alcoholism has all but tanked her legacy. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2024

Mark Nelson Bushnell’s alcoholism alienated much of his family and led to his becoming homeless in Jackson. —Jon Schuppe, NBC News, 22 Feb. 2024

This is in keeping with a long-standing tendency to make immigrants scapegoats for a variety of social problems, including alcoholism and disease. —Sarah Shannon, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024

Shelia blames Heather's alcoholism on a troubled, long-term relationship. —Kunle Falayi, The Arizona Republic, 25 Mar. 2024

Previous biographers largely painted Wong as a tragic figure, according to Salisbury, overemphasizing rumors about her sexuality, her struggles with alcoholism and her decision to never marry. —Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024

Stereotypes suggesting Irish people are prone to alcoholism have a long history, used to justify British rule over Ireland and to fuel anti-immigration sentiments in 19th-century America. —Carson Terbush, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alcoholism

• anti-alcoholism

Kids Definition

alcoholism

noun

al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm 

: continued, uncontrolled, and greater than normal use of alcoholic drinks

also : an abnormal bodily state associated with such use

Medical Definition

alcoholism

noun

al·​co·​hol·​ism ˈal-kə-ˌhȯ-ˌliz-əm, -kə-hə- 

1

: continued excessive or compulsive use of alcoholic drinks

2

: a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction

Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.

compare acute alcoholism