dipsomaniac

American  

[dip-suh-mey-nee-ak, -soh-] / ˌdɪp səˈmeɪ niˌæk, -soʊ- /

noun

1. (no longer in technical use) a person with alcoholism or alcohol use disorder, especially characterized by an irresistible, typically periodic craving for alcoholic drinks.

---

dipsomaniac British  

/ ˌdɪpsəʊˈmeɪnɪˌæk, ˌdɪpsəʊməˈnaɪəkəl /

noun

1. Shortened form: dipso.  any person who has an uncontrollable and recurring urge to drink alcohol

---

adjective

1. relating to or affected with dipsomania

Related Words

See inebriate.

Other Word Forms

• dipsomaniacal
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dipsomaniac

First recorded in 1855–60; dipsomani(a) + -ac

Explanation

A dipsomaniac is a drunkard or alcoholic: someone who drinks alcohol to excess. Since dipsomania is a word for alcoholism, it makes sense that a dipsomaniac is an alcoholic. A dipsomaniac has a physical need for alcohol that goes beyond being thirsty: it’s an addiction. The dipsa root (meaning "thirst") turns up in a few other somewhat obscure words, such as adipsia(meaning "loss of thirst") and polydipsia (meaning "excessive thirst").

Related Words

• drunk
• substance abuser