English Reference

Word

intoxication

Phoneticsin·tox·i·ca·tion

US/ˌɪnˌtɑksəˈkeɪʃən/

UK/ɪntˌɒksɪkˈeɪʃən/

Definition

n. the state of being drunk or under the influence of drugs. It can also mean a feeling of great excitement or power.

n. the state of being under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to the point where physical and mental control is markedly diminished. In a figurative sense, refers to a state of extreme exhilaration or euphoria.

Examples

“The driver was arrested for public intoxication.”

“The legal definition of intoxication varies by region, usually depending on the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream.”

“The young entrepreneur seemed blinded by the intoxication of sudden success, failing to notice the structural weaknesses that were beginning to undermine his business empire.”

Examples

simple

“The driver was arrested for public intoxication.”

contextual

“The legal definition of intoxication varies by region, usually depending on the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream.”

complex

“The young entrepreneur seemed blinded by the intoxication of sudden success, failing to notice the structural weaknesses that were beginning to undermine his business empire.”

Usage

Often used in legal or medical contexts to describe physical impairment; takes 'with' in figurative contexts ('intoxication with power').

Real-World Examples

“Psychologists call the underlying mechanism alcohol myopia : shortsighted information processing that is part of alcohol intoxication.”
Phys.org · 4 Sept 2026
“According to the researchers, the legal alcohol intoxication threshold used across most of the United States (0.08% breath alcohol level, or BrAC) may not adequately reflect driving impairment when alcohol is combined with cannabis.”
ScienceDaily · 29 May 2026

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

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