disulfiram: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “disulfiram” mean?
A synthetic drug used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to alcohol.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic drug used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to alcohol.
A pharmacological agent which causes unpleasant physical reactions (e.g., flushing, nausea, palpitations) when alcohol is consumed, acting as a deterrent to drinking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations as a medical treatment.
Frequency
Identical, low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “disulfiram” in a Sentence
The doctor prescribed disulfiram (to the patient).The patient is on disulfiram.A severe reaction was caused by disulfiram.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disulfiram” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- disulfiram-based treatment
- The disulfiram reaction was immediate.
American English
- disulfiram-based therapy
- A disulfiram implant was considered.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, pharmacological, and addiction studies literature.
Everyday
Rarely used outside discussions of addiction treatment.
Technical
Primary context. Used in clinical notes, pharmacy, psychiatry, and toxicology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disulfiram”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disulfiram”
- Mispronunciation (e.g., /dɪˈsʌlfɪræm/).
- Misspelling as 'disulphiram' (UK) or 'disulfiram' (US).
- Using it as a general term for any addiction treatment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, disulfiram is not a cure. It is an aversive agent that supports abstinence by creating a negative physical reaction to alcohol, but it does not treat the underlying psychological dependence.
The unpleasant reaction (flushing, nausea, etc.) can last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the amount of alcohol consumed and individual metabolism.
No. The effects of disulfiram can persist for up to two weeks after the last dose. Consuming alcohol during this period can still trigger a reaction.
Antabuse is the original and most well-known brand name for the drug disulfiram.
A synthetic drug used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to alcohol.
Disulfiram is usually technical/medical in register.
Disulfiram: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈsʌlfɪram/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈsʌlfəˌræm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DIE-sul-fi-ram' stops you from having a 'ram'-page with alcohol because it makes you feel ill.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHEMICAL SHIELD / PHARMACOLOGICAL GUARDIAN (A substance that protects by creating a negative consequence for a specific action).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary mechanism of action for disulfiram?