alcoholism
noun
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.
Examples of alcoholism in a Sentence
Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025
Robert Irsay, who also battled alcoholism, was impulsive and meddling, making rash personnel decisions and berating players.
—Ken Belson, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Purdy’s defense attorneys had hoped to call his mother to the witness stand to present evidence of her history of mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism, schizophrenia and alcohol abuse during her pregnancy with Purdy.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 May 2025
What Is Happening to Wendy Williams?, dug deeper into Williams' alcoholism, dementia diagnosis and guardianship.
—Liza Esquibias, People.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for alcoholism
Cite this Entry
“Alcoholism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcoholism. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alcoholism
noun
Medical Definition
alcoholism
noun
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
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