Intoxication
ɪnˌtɒksɪˈkeɪʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe state of being poisoned or affected by a toxic substance, especially alcohol or drugs, to the point where physical and mental control is significantly diminished.
ɪnˌtɒksɪˈkeɪʃən
The state of being poisoned by a toxic substance
The patient suffered from carbon monoxide intoxication.
💡 Simply: Imagine you've had too much soda with sugar and it makes you hyper and your behavior changes. It's like that, but with something that's actually harmful for your body and brain!
👶 For kids: When your body has too much of something that's not good for you, like medicine or a poison.
More Examples
Alcohol intoxication impaired the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Food poisoning can lead to severe intoxication.
How It's Used
"Symptoms of heavy metal intoxication included neurological problems."
"Blood tests confirmed the presence of alcohol intoxication in the driver."
A state of exhilaration, elation, or intense excitement, similar to the effects of being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, but caused by something other than those substances.
ɪnˌtɒksɪˈkeɪʃən
Exhilaration or elation, sometimes caused by a substance or experience.
The success brought an intoxication of power.
💡 Simply: Like when you're so happy or excited that you feel like you're floating. It's the same way you feel after something really fun happens, like winning a game or getting a great gift.
👶 For kids: Feeling really, really happy and excited, like you're on top of the world!
More Examples
The beauty of the landscape induced a feeling of intoxication.
The runner experienced an intoxication of triumph upon crossing the finish line.
How It's Used
"She felt an intoxication of joy at their reunion."
"The feeling of success brought an intoxication of power."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
under the influence
Affected by alcohol or drugs.
"He was arrested for driving under the influence."
intoxicated with joy
Overwhelmed with happiness and excitement.
"She was intoxicated with joy at the news."
From Middle French intoxication, from Medieval Latin intoxicationem, the act of poisoning or being poisoned. Related to toxic and from the Latin word 'toxicus,' meaning 'poisoned'.
The word has been used since the 16th century, initially in the context of poisoning, and later expanded to include the effects of alcohol and drugs, and metaphorical senses of being overwhelmed by emotions.
Memory tip
Think of 'toxic' within 'intoxication'; it hints at the harmful effects.
Word Origin
"poison"