intoxication
intoxication — noun
1. A state in which a person can no longer fully control their actions, speech, or
A state in which a person can no longer fully control their actions, speech, or judgment because alcohol or drugs have affected their mind and body.
The driver was stopped by the police and tested for alcohol intoxication.
tested for + noun phrase indicating type of intoxication
Symptoms of intoxication include slurred speech, unsteady walking, and poor judgment.
symptoms of intoxication + common signs
In many countries, public intoxication is treated as a minor legal offence.
Kwame admitted himself to the clinic to receive treatment for drug intoxication.
Emergency rooms often deal with cases of severe alcohol intoxication on weekend nights.
- drunkenness
Refers specifically to alcohol, while 'intoxication' covers both alcohol and drugs.
- inebriation
More formal and literary; almost always refers to alcohol.
- being under the influence
A descriptive phrase rather than a single noun; common in legal and medical writing.
- sobriety
The state of being fully in control and not affected by alcohol or drugs.
文法句型
under the influence of + alcohol/drugs
state of intoxication
用法筆記
Often appears in legal or medical contexts. In everyday conversation, 'being drunk' or 'being high' is more common than the formal noun 'intoxication'.
常見錯誤
2. A powerful feeling of happiness and excitement that makes you feel as if you hav
A powerful feeling of happiness and excitement that makes you feel as if you have lost some self-control, similar to the effect of alcohol.
The intoxication of first love made Padma forget all her daily worries.
intoxication of + [abstract noun phrase]
Linh felt a strange intoxication every time she stepped onto the stage to perform.
The intoxication of victory lasted for days after the team won the championship.
There is an intoxication in creative work that keeps artists awake late into the night.
Rafael could not resist the intoxication of power that came with his new position.
- depression
A state of low mood and lack of energy, opposite to the excitement of figurative intoxication.
文法句型
intoxication of + [something exciting]
用法筆記
This figurative sense always describes a positive or thrilling experience, unlike Sense 1. It is often used with 'of' followed by an abstract noun (love, power, victory, freedom).
常見錯誤
3. An abnormal physical condition caused by swallowing, breathing in, or absorbing
An abnormal physical condition caused by swallowing, breathing in, or absorbing a poisonous substance.
The patient was diagnosed with carbon monoxide intoxication after a faulty heater leaked gas.
[substance] intoxication — medical noun phrase pattern
Water intoxication can occur when someone drinks an extremely large amount in a short period.
The doctor treated several cases of food intoxication caused by contaminated shellfish at the market.
Symptoms of heavy metal intoxication include headaches, stomach pain, and memory loss.
Workers at the factory were checked for chemical intoxication after a container leaked toxic fumes.
文法句型
[substance] intoxication
用法筆記
This sense is primarily used in medical or toxicology writing. In everyday language, 'poisoning' is far more common than 'intoxication' for this meaning.