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
Listen to this article The truck driver accused of causing a massive pileup in Texas — which left five people dead, including an infant and a child — showed signs of intoxication after the devastating crash, according to court documents.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2025
Real Housewives of New York Star (Countess) Luann De Lesseps was arrested in Palm Beach on Christmas Eve 2017 and charged with several offences, including battery, trespassing, and disorderly intoxication.
—Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2025
Just as sleeping patterns were returning to normal following last week’s Elland Road exploits against Sunderland, United’s special brand of intoxication delivered another hit for the away end.
—Beren Cross, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Her reporting revealed that he had previously been forced out of leadership positions in advocacy groups over allegations of financial mismanagement, sexist behavior and intoxication.
—Katie Robertson, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intoxication
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Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2025
Real Housewives of New York Star (Countess) Luann De Lesseps was arrested in Palm Beach on Christmas Eve 2017 and charged with several offences, including battery, trespassing, and disorderly intoxication.
—Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2025
Just as sleeping patterns were returning to normal following last week’s Elland Road exploits against Sunderland, United’s special brand of intoxication delivered another hit for the away end.
—Beren Cross, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Her reporting revealed that he had previously been forced out of leadership positions in advocacy groups over allegations of financial mismanagement, sexist behavior and intoxication.
—Katie Robertson, New York Times, 17 Feb. 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 27 Mar. 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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