# intoxicated

/ɪnˈtɑksəˌkeɪtɪd/ (US) · /ɪntˈɒksɪkˌeɪtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intoxicated
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

feeling the effects of too much alcohol or drugs. You use this word in more formal situations instead of saying someone is drunk.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was intoxicated from the wine" but "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.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs such as 'be', 'become', or 'appear'.

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