intoxication
noun
in·tox·i·ca·tion
in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən 
1
a
: the condition of having physical or mental control markedly diminished by the effects of alcohol or drugs
drank to the point of intoxication
cocaine intoxication
b
: a strong excitement or elation
The mere knowledge that they are on an island, a little world entirely surrounded by the sea, fills them with an indescribable intoxication …—
Christine Osborne
Christine Osborne2
: an abnormal state that is essentially a poisoning
carbon monoxide intoxication
Examples of intoxication in a Sentence
there's a firm distinction between the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages and overindulgence to the point of intoxication
the intoxication felt by two people who have just fallen in love
Recent Examples on the Web
Rouse was charged in Kentucky with fleeing/evading, theft by unlawful taking (auto), possession of drug paraphernalia and public intoxication.
—Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025
Alcohol has been shown to occasionally create unrest in society, but the researchers say that in ancient times, its social benefits tended to outweigh the negative effects of intoxication.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2025
The 44-year-old Cuban native had been charged with disorderly intoxication, causing a disturbance and trespassing following a dispute over a bill, according to the police report.
—Madeleine Marr
july 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
The man was arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants for strangulation and public intoxication.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for intoxication
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Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 17 July 2025
Alcohol has been shown to occasionally create unrest in society, but the researchers say that in ancient times, its social benefits tended to outweigh the negative effects of intoxication.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2025
The 44-year-old Cuban native had been charged with disorderly intoxication, causing a disturbance and trespassing following a dispute over a bill, according to the police report.
—Madeleine Marr
july 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025
The man was arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants for strangulation and public intoxication.
—Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for intoxication
Cite this Entry
“Intoxication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intoxication. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intoxication
noun
in·tox·i·ca·tion
in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən
1
a
: an unhealthy state that is or is like a poisoning
carbon monoxide intoxication
b
: the condition of being drunk
2
: a strong excitement or elation
the intoxication of success
Medical Definition
intoxication
noun
in·tox·i·ca·tion
in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən
1
: an abnormal state that is essentially a poisoning
hypokalemia potentiates digoxin intoxication—W. H. Abelmann et al.
W. H. Abelmann et al.no evidence of cocaine intoxication—Margaret M. McCarron et al.
Margaret M. McCarron et al.acute carbon monoxide intoxication
2
: the condition of being drunk : inebriation
Legal Definition
intoxication
noun
in·tox·i·ca·tion
in-ˌtäk-sə-ˈkā-shən
1
: the state or condition of being intoxicated
2
: a defense based on inability to form the requisite specific intent to commit a crime due to intoxication
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