noun
dipsomania
dip-suh-MAY-nee-uh/ˌdɪpsəˈmeɪniə/
An uncontrollable craving for alcoholic drink.
A counselor supports an adult struggling with dipsomania beside an untouched glass.
Etymology
“Thirst” joined to “madness” presents the craving as a pathological drive rather than ordinary thirst. The medical term specifically names an uncontrollable desire for alcoholic drink.
More examples
- His dipsomania makes the urge to drink feel impossible to resist.
- She seeks treatment for dipsomania rather than facing the craving alone.
- The memoir describes his struggle with dipsomania.
Forms
dipsomania
dipsomaniac noun — A person with uncontrollable cravings for alcohol.
Similar words
- alcoholism
- Alcoholism describes alcohol dependence, not just an uncontrollable craving.
- craving
- Craving is a strong desire, not necessarily for alcohol.