Latin

in-

in, into, on, upon

Forms

in-
im- — Used before b, m, or p in Latin.
il- — Used before l in Latin.
ir- — Used before r in Latin.
en- — Developed in French in some words later borrowed into English.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *en, ‘in.’

Note

Identical spellings can hide two different prefixes: this one indicates position or direction, while the other means ‘not.’

232 / 267

noun

intoxication

in-tahk-sih-KAY-shuhn/ɪnˌtɑːksɪˈkeɪʃn/

Impaired or altered awareness caused by alcohol or drugs.

His slumped posture and clumsy spill show clear signs of intoxication.

A visibly alcohol-impaired adult slumps on a bar stool, with unfocused half-closed eyes and a slack expression, clumsily tipping a beer glass and spilling its contents beside two empty beer glasses.

Etymology

inLatinin, into, on, upon

+toxicLatinpoison

+ationLatinan action, process, or result

The poison root reflects the word's earlier meaning, “poisoning.” Its later use for drunkenness connects the modern alcohol-or-drug sense with the effects of a substance on the body.

In context

Nate The Lawyer135:45

And you drank alcohol, but you didn't know that. You would have a defense because you didn't choose the alcohol. So, at that point, involuntary intoxication because you didn't make the decision.

BREAKING: Mistrial Declared in Lindsay Clancy Trial | Last Second Appeal

More examples

Alcohol intoxication can make even a short drive dangerous.
The medication can cause intoxication if you take too much.
She needs medical attention for severe intoxication.

Forms

intoxication

intoxicate verb — To impair someone through alcohol or drugs.

intoxicated adjective — Having awareness impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Similar words

drunkenness: Specifically means impairment from alcohol rather than other drugs.
inebriation: A formal term usually referring specifically to alcohol impairment.