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delirium tremens
noun
delirium tre·mens
-ˈtrē-mənz
-ˈtre-
: a violent delirium with tremors that is induced by excessive and prolonged use of alcoholic liquors
called also d.t.'s
Examples of delirium tremens in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Symptoms typically peak within the first 24 to 48 hours and can range from mild anxiety and shakiness to severe complications like seizures and delirium tremens (DTs).
—Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal vary widely among people experiencing it, and can include anything from insomnia, anxiety, or agitation in mild cases, to delirium tremens, seizures, or hallucinations in severe cases, the agency says.
—Andi Babineau, CNN, 13 Jan. 2023
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But with cannabis, users essentially eliminate risk of death by liver cirrhosis, delirium tremens, lung cancer and respiratory depression.
—WSJ, 27 June 2022
If left untreated, delirium tremens can trigger cardiovascular collapse.
—Carly Vandergriendt, SELF, 17 May 2022
Around half of all people who have a seizure during alcohol withdrawal will experience delirium tremens, a medical emergency that affects 3 to 5% of people with a history of alcohol abuse.
—Carly Vandergriendt, SELF, 17 May 2022
Alcohol withdrawal that progresses to delirium tremens causes intense hallucinations, as well as severe confusion, disorientation, and agitation.
—Carly Vandergriendt, SELF, 17 May 2022
As the story’s conclusion approaches, Birnam begins to battle with delirium tremens.
—The Economist, 30 Nov. 2020
Originally, the idea had come from Italy, where sodium oxybate is used both to treat the delirium tremens of alcohol withdrawal and to wean those with addiction off drinking.
—Eric Boodman, STAT, 10 Feb. 2020
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, literally, trembling delirium
First Known Use
1827, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Delirium tremens.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delirium%20tremens. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
delirium tremens
noun
delirium tre·mens
-ˈtrē-mənz
-ˈtrem-ənz
: a violent delirium with tremors that is induced by excessive and prolonged use of alcoholic liquors
called also d.t.'s
More from Merriam-Webster on delirium tremens
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about delirium tremens
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