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
The family also told reporters Paris has a nerve condition called MG, or Myasthenia Gravis, and that the symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for intoxication.
—Chelsea Bailey, CNN, 30 Sep. 2024
The former exotic dancer, 36, previously faced domestic abuse allegations from Kardashian and in 2016 was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of public intoxication and a felony charge of possession after an incident at a Texas airport.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024
Public intoxication: At 9 p.m., deputies responded to a disturbance call at the Mountain Winery on Pierce Road.
—Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2024
The driver of the vehicle did not show any signs of intoxication and remained at the scene.
—Kerria Weaver, The Arizona Republic, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intoxication 
Chelsea Bailey, CNN, 30 Sep. 2024
The former exotic dancer, 36, previously faced domestic abuse allegations from Kardashian and in 2016 was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of public intoxication and a felony charge of possession after an incident at a Texas airport.
—Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024
Public intoxication: At 9 p.m., deputies responded to a disturbance call at the Mountain Winery on Pierce Road.
—Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2024
The driver of the vehicle did not show any signs of intoxication and remained at the scene.
—Kerria Weaver, The Arizona Republic, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intoxication
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intoxication.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near intoxication
Cite this Entry
“Intoxication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intoxication. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
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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