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
Bobbi Kristina's death was ruled a combination of drowning and drug intoxication, according to the Fulton County Medical Examiner.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
What starts as intoxication over access and celebrity becomes a deadly game of identity and dreams at any price.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
Breathalyzer and saliva tests are a convenient home option, but both of these tests are best at detecting current alcohol levels or intoxication.
—Steffini Stalos, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025
The youngest was a 16-year-old with several medical conditions including cerebral palsy who died of complications linked to heat exposure and drug intoxication.
—Jessica Boehm, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intoxication 
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Jordana Comiter, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
What starts as intoxication over access and celebrity becomes a deadly game of identity and dreams at any price.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025
Breathalyzer and saliva tests are a convenient home option, but both of these tests are best at detecting current alcohol levels or intoxication.
—Steffini Stalos, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025
The youngest was a 16-year-old with several medical conditions including cerebral palsy who died of complications linked to heat exposure and drug intoxication.
—Jessica Boehm, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for intoxication
Dictionary Entries Near intoxication
Cite this Entry
“Intoxication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intoxication. Accessed 9 Feb. 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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