Word
intoxicated
Phoneticsin·tox·i·cat·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪnˈtɑksəˌkeɪtɪd/
UK/ɪntˈɒksɪkˌeɪtɪd/
Formal
Definition
adj. feeling the effects of too much alcohol or drugs. You use this word in more formal situations instead of saying someone is drunk.
adj. affected by alcohol or drugs to the point of losing control over physical or mental faculties. Often appears in legal or medical contexts; frequently follows linking verbs like 'become' or 'appear'.
Examples
“He was clearly intoxicated after the party.”
“The police officer suspected the driver was intoxicated and requested a breathalyzer test.”
“Public health officials warn that even mildly intoxicated individuals may experience significantly impaired judgment and slower reaction times while operating heavy machinery.”
Examples
simple
“He was clearly intoxicated after the party.”
contextual
“The police officer suspected the driver was intoxicated and requested a breathalyzer test.”
complex
“Public health officials warn that even mildly intoxicated individuals may experience significantly impaired judgment and slower reaction times while operating heavy machinery.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs such as 'be', 'become', or 'appear'.
Pitfall
He was intoxicated from the wine
He was intoxicated by the wine
While 'from' is sometimes heard, 'by' or 'with' are the standard prepositions used to indicate the agent of intoxication.
Real-World Examples
“Participants also reported feeling more intoxicated when they used both substances together.” “Too quarrelsome and intoxicated to notice that the house is in fact haunted, they do not realise they must band together against the danger until it is almost too late.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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