intoxication
C1formal, medical, legal, literary
Definition
Meaning
The condition of being poisoned by a toxic substance; the state of being drunk from alcohol.
A state of great excitement, euphoria, or frenzy, not necessarily caused by substances; can describe a metaphorical 'drunkenness' from power, success, or strong emotion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primary meaning is pathological/chemical poisoning (e.g., carbon monoxide intoxication). Secondary meaning is alcohol-induced inebriation. Tertiary, metaphorical meaning applies to overwhelming emotions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In legal/medical contexts, both varieties use it for poisoning and inebriation. 'Drunkenness' is a more common everyday synonym for the alcohol sense in both, but 'intoxication' is the preferred formal/legal term.
Connotations
Equally formal and technical in both varieties. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American legal contexts (e.g., 'driving while intoxicated' as a standard charge). UK law historically used 'drink-driving', but 'intoxication' is standard in medical/legal writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
intoxication with (a substance)intoxication from/by (a substance)intoxication of (an emotion, e.g., the intoxication of victory)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “drunk with power (related metaphorical concept)”
- “intoxicated by success”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The intoxication of the early market success blinded them to the risks.'
Academic
Common in medical, legal, psychology, and literary studies texts. E.g., 'The study measured blood alcohol concentration relative to levels of intoxication.'
Everyday
Formal alternative to 'being drunk'. Also used metaphorically: 'He felt an intoxication from the mountain air.'
Technical
Standard in toxicology, emergency medicine, and law. Specifies type: 'ethylene glycol intoxication', 'diagnosis of acute alcohol intoxication.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The fumes could quickly intoxicate an unprotected worker.
- He was charged for driving whilst intoxicated.
American English
- The chemical is known to intoxicate if inhaled.
- She was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
adverb
British English
- He smiled intoxicatedly, unaware of the danger.
- (Rare usage)
American English
- She laughed intoxicatedly after the surprise victory.
- (Rare usage)
adjective
British English
- He was found in an intoxicated state.
- The intoxicated reveller was asked to leave the premises.
American English
- The intoxicated driver failed the field sobriety test.
- Police detained the clearly intoxicated individual.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Drinking too much beer causes intoxication.
- The doctor helped the man with alcohol intoxication.
- The signs of intoxication include slurred speech and poor coordination.
- He was fined for public intoxication.
- Carbon monoxide intoxication requires immediate medical attention.
- She felt a sense of intoxication from the breathtaking view.
- The legal defence argued that voluntary intoxication did not negate criminal intent.
- The novel explores the intoxication of absolute power and its corrupting influence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
IN-TOXIC-ATION: Think of being IN a state caused by something TOXIC (poisonous or alcohol).
Conceptual Metaphor
STRONG EMOTION/EXCITEMENT IS AN INTOXICATING SUBSTANCE (e.g., 'intoxicated with joy', 'drunk on love').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with simple 'отравление' (poisoning). 'Intoxication' in English strongly implies a state of altered consciousness, not just stomach illness. The Russian 'интоксикация' is a direct cognate but is used more broadly for medical poisoning without the necessary 'high' or 'drunkenness' component. For alcohol, 'опьянение' is the closer match.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intoxication' for mild food poisoning (use 'food poisoning').
- Confusing 'intoxicated' (adjective) with 'toxic' (poisonous).
- Overusing the metaphorical sense in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'intoxication' in a medical report?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Its primary medical meaning is poisoning by any toxic substance (e.g., drug intoxication, food intoxication). The alcohol-related meaning is a specific, very common subset.
Yes, in a metaphorical/literary sense. Phrases like 'the intoxication of first love' or 'intoxicated by success' describe a powerful, euphoric feeling.
'Poisoning' is broader, referring to the act or process. 'Intoxication' specifically refers to the *state* or *condition* of being poisoned, particularly emphasizing the functional and mental impairment that results.
Yes, it is formal and technical. In everyday conversation about alcohol, people are more likely to say 'drunk', 'tipsy', or 'inebriated'. 'Intoxication' is standard in legal, medical, and official contexts.
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