verb
intoxicate
in-TAHK-si-kayt/ɪnˈtɑːksɪkeɪt/
To alter someone's awareness and control through a drug.
Even a small amount of alcohol can intoxicate some people.
Etymology
With in- meaning “in” and toxicare meaning “to poison,” the word originally described poisoning. Its later sense “make drunk” connects intoxication with a substance’s impairing effects.
In context
Why didn't you get tipsy, sir? Don't you ever intoxicate yourself except at lawful marriages.
More examples
- The medication intoxicated him and made driving unsafe.
- She was too intoxicated to remember the ride home.
- These drugs can intoxicate users and slow their reactions.
Forms
intoxicate · intoxicates · intoxicated · intoxicating
intoxication noun — Impaired awareness or control from alcohol or drugs.
intoxicated adjective — Having awareness or control impaired by a substance.