alcoholism

American  

[al-kuh-haw-liz-uhm, -ho-] / ˈæl kə hɔˌlɪz əm, -hɒ- /

noun

1. (not in technical use as a medical diagnosis,see alcohol use disorder) a chronic illness characterized by dependence on alcohol, repeated excessive use of alcoholic beverages, the development of withdrawal symptoms upon reducing or ceasing intake, morbidity that may include cirrhosis of the liver, and decreased ability to function socially and professionally.

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alcoholism British  

/ ˈælkəhɒˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a condition in which dependence on alcohol harms a person's health, social functioning, or family life

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alcoholism Scientific  

/ ăl′kə-hô-lĭz′əm /

1. A progressive, potentially fatal disease characterized by the excessive and compulsive consumption of alcoholic beverages and physiological and psychological dependence on alcohol. Chronic alcoholism usually results in liver and other organ damage, nutritional deficiencies and impaired social functioning.

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alcoholism Cultural  

1. A chronic disease associated with the excessive and habitual use of alcohol; the disease, if left unattended, worsens and can kill the sufferer. Alcoholism is marked by physical dependency and can cause disorders in many organs of the body, including the liver (see cirrhosis), stomach, intestines, and brain. It is also associated with abnormal heart rhythms, with certain cancers, and, because of loss of appetite, with poor nutrition. The cause of alcoholism is very complicated and most often involves a mixture of physical, psychological, and possibly genetic factors.

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Etymology

Origin of alcoholism

First recorded in 1855–60; alcohol + -ism

Related Words

• addiction
• alcohol abuse
• alcohol addiction
• alcohol dependence
• substance abuse