antabuse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized / Medical
Quick answer
What does “antabuse” mean?
A proprietary drug, disulfiram, used to treat chronic alcoholism by causing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proprietary drug, disulfiram, used to treat chronic alcoholism by causing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed.
Any substance or treatment that functions as a strong deterrent by creating adverse effects when combined with a prohibited behavior. Metaphorically, it can refer to a powerful disincentive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Identical in meaning and usage. Spelling is the same. It is a trademarked drug name used in both markets.
Connotations
Purely clinical, with connotations of a last-resort or supervised medical treatment for a serious addiction.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined almost entirely to medical, psychiatric, and addiction counseling contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “antabuse” in a Sentence
[Subject] is/was prescribed Antabuse.[Subject] takes/is on Antabuse.The doctor put [Object] on Antabuse.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, pharmacological, and psychiatric papers on addiction treatment.
Everyday
Very rare; only in discussions of personal or familial experience with professional alcohol treatment.
Technical
Core term in addiction medicine and clinical pharmacology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antabuse”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antabuse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antabuse”
- Using it as a general term for any medicine. Spelling it as 'antabus' (missing the 'e'). Confusing it with drugs that reduce craving rather than cause a reaction.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a cure. It is an aversive therapy that acts as a deterrent to drinking, used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan including counseling and support.
The unpleasant reaction (flushing, nausea, headache, palpitations) can last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of alcohol consumed and individual metabolism.
The deterrent effect of Antabuse can last for up to two weeks after the last dose. Consuming alcohol during this period can still trigger a reaction. Patients must wait for the drug to be fully cleared from their system.
Its use has declined somewhat in favor of other medications with different mechanisms (like naltrexone or acamprosate), but it remains a valid and potent option, particularly for patients who desire a strong physical deterrent and are under medical supervision.
A proprietary drug, disulfiram, used to treat chronic alcoholism by causing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed.
Antabuse is usually specialized / medical in register.
Antabuse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.tə.bjuːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.tə.bjuːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ANTi-ABUSE': it works against the abuse of alcohol.
Conceptual Metaphor
A chemical shield or a bodyguard that punishes trespass (drinking).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary mechanism of Antabuse (disulfiram)?