-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
punch-drunk syndrome
noun
: chronic traumatic encephalopathy
The most important factor in the development of the punch-drunk syndrome seems to be time spent in the ring getting punched in the head.—David Noonan
Examples of punch-drunk syndrome in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
By the fifties, punch-drunk syndrome was being described as dementia pugilistica and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
—Ingfei Chen, The New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2023
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1946, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of punch-drunk syndrome was
in 1946
Articles Related to punch-drunk syndrome
Dictionary Entries Near punch-drunk syndrome
Cite this Entry
“Punch-drunk syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punch-drunk%20syndrome. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
punch-drunk syndrome
noun
: chronic traumatic encephalopathy
The most important factor in the development of the punch-drunk syndrome seems to be time spent in the ring getting punched in the head.—David Noonan, The New York Times Magazine
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share