intoxicated

adjective

in·​tox·​i·​cat·​ed in-ˈtäk-sə-ˌkā-təd How to pronounce intoxicated (audio)
1
: affected by alcohol or drugs especially to the point where physical and mental control is markedly diminished
especially : drunk
2
: emotionally excited, elated, or exhilarated (as by great joy or extreme pleasure)
… the traveler who has become intoxicated by the vision of Serengeti's exotic animals …Harold Hayes
intoxicatedly adverb

Examples of intoxicated in a Sentence

He appeared to be very intoxicated. Driving while intoxicated is illegal.
Recent Examples on the Web The results from the blood test a week later showed that his blood alcohol content was 0.014, well below the state’s legal limit, according to the filing, and the charges of driving while intoxicated were thrown out. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 In Wisconsin, however, a person's first three operating while intoxicated penalties — excluding having an above-average blood alcohol level or causing harm or damage that can worsen a sentence — are considered misdemeanors. Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2024 And of course, intoxicated people, according to audio of radio transmissions captured by Broadcastify.com. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2024 She was found to be too intoxicated to care for herself in public. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2024 However, state law prohibits serving alcoholic beverages to someone who is visibly intoxicated. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 Under Idaho Code Title 18 Chapter 80, driving while intoxicated is not only limited to alcohol but drugs as well. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Feb. 2024 But several Irish American organizations lodged complaints about the depiction of Irish life as one long, intoxicated slugfest. Dan Barry, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 He was found to be too intoxicated to care for himself, and the victim desired prosecution for prowling. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intoxicated.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intoxicated was in 1576

Dictionary Entries Near intoxicated

Cite this Entry

“Intoxicated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intoxicated. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

intoxicated

adjective
in·​tox·​i·​cat·​ed -sə-ˌkāt-əd How to pronounce intoxicated (audio)
: affected by an intoxicant and especially by alcohol

More from Merriam-Webster on intoxicated

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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