ENGLISH
REFERENCE

alcoholism

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈæɫkəˌhɔˌɫɪzəm// UK //ˈælkəhˌəʊlɪzəm// al·co·holism

n. a serious condition where a person cannot stop drinking alcohol, even when it causes problems in their life.

n. a chronic disorder characterized by the inability to control alcohol consumption despite negative consequences.


SIMPLE

Alcoholism can affect anyone, regardless of age.

CONTEXTUAL

His alcoholism made it difficult for him to keep his job and maintain healthy relationships.

COMPLEX

The documentary explores the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers in the development of alcoholism.

Synonyms
Origin

From alcohol + -ism. Derived from New Latin alcoholismus chronicus, coined by the Swedish professor of medicine Magnus Huss in 1849.

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