alcoholism

[al-kuh-haw-liz-uhm, -ho-]

noun

1. (not in technical use as a medical diagnosis,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

/ ˈælkəhɒˌlɪzəm /

noun

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

alcoholism

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

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alcoholism¹

First recorded in 1855–60; alcohol + -ism

Example Sentences

Lavis struggled with alcoholism during his time touring with Squeeze, but later found sobriety and went on to support others through Alcoholics Anonymous.

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Mr. Hopkins is open about his alcoholism and the devastation it caused.

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When he was in his early 20s, Stevens began to struggle with alcoholism and addiction; Margaret Stevens said he gave up everything in 1988, weeks before his fifth child was born.

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Your song “Zombie” was inspired by your grandmother’s experience with alcoholism.

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The book presents a sympathetic portrait of his parents even though he’s frank about his parents not knowing how to fully love or guide their dreamy child and about his father’s alcoholism and depression.

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Related Words

• addiction 
• alcohol abuse www.thesaurus.com
• alcohol addiction www.thesaurus.com
• alcohol dependence 
• substance abuse