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
While being taken for treatment at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, a paramedic allegedly smelled alcohol on her breath and witnessed other signs of intoxication, the Suffolk County Police Department said.
—David Matthews, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2025
David Campbell of Stafford is charged with breaking and entering, assault and public intoxication, the Stafford County Sheriff's office said.
—Louis Casiano, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
Physical violence and public intoxication were the incidents most commonly observed by fans.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2025
According to Jaques, the driver, identified as 39-year-old Brant Mendelson of Clinton, allegedly showed signs of intoxication and was possibly using drugs.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intoxication 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Matthews, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2025
David Campbell of Stafford is charged with breaking and entering, assault and public intoxication, the Stafford County Sheriff's office said.
—Louis Casiano, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
Physical violence and public intoxication were the incidents most commonly observed by fans.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2025
According to Jaques, the driver, identified as 39-year-old Brant Mendelson of Clinton, allegedly showed signs of intoxication and was possibly using drugs.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for intoxication
Dictionary Entries Near intoxication
Cite this Entry
“Intoxication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intoxication. Accessed 18 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share