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Synonyms

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.


alcoholism British  
/ ˈælkəhɒˌlɪzəm /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

alcoholism Scientific  
/ ălkə-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.


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.


Etymology

Origin of alcoholism

First recorded in 1855–60; alcohol + -ism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Funding for the study was provided by a pilot research grant from BUSPH, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2024

Dardo Tomasi and Nora Volkow of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism studied brain scans of 8,961 children aged 9-11, recorded from August 2017 to November 2018.

From Washington Times • Feb. 21, 2023

The Mayo Clinic and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism also confirm that having conversations about alcohol use with young children is beneficial.

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2023

Dr. Mark Willenbring, former director of treatment research at the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, said more research is needed before psilocybin can be considered an effective addition to talk therapy.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 24, 2022

"Smith, I believe you once proposed to write an article on Climate and Alcoholism."

From The Cruise of the Dry Dock by Stribling, T. S.