adjective / verb
sober
SOH-ber/ˈsəʊbər/
Free from the effects of alcohol or drugs.
She stays sober at dinner, choosing water instead of wine.
Etymology
The pieces express being “without drunkenness.” Although sober also described habitual restraint, the selected meaning concerns someone's present condition: not under the influence of an intoxicant.
In context
they had no drugs and no alcohol in their system." And I said, "You believe that they were that they were sober?"
More examples
- We need a sober driver to take everyone home.
- He waits to sober up before making any decisions.
- She has stayed sober for three years.
Forms
sober · soberer · soberest · sobers · sobered · sobering
sobriety noun — The state of being free from intoxication.
Similar words
- clearheaded
- Describes clear thinking, whether or not alcohol is involved.
- abstinent
- Emphasizes avoiding alcohol or drugs, not just current intoxication.