delirium tremens

[dih-leer-ee-uhm tree-muhnz, -menz]

noun

Pathology.

1. a withdrawal syndrome occurring in persons who have developed physiological dependence on alcohol, characterized by tremor, visual hallucinations, and autonomic instability. d.t.

delirium tremens

/ ˈtriː-, ˈtrɛmɛnz /

noun

1. Abbreviation: dt.  DT's. a severe psychotic condition occurring in some persons with chronic alcoholism, characterized by delirium, tremor, anxiety, and vivid hallucinations

delirium tremens

1. An acute, sometimes fatal episode of delirium that is usually caused by withdrawal or abstinence from alcohol following habitual excessive drinking or an episode of heavy alcohol consumption. It is characterized by trembling, sweating, acute anxiety, confusion, and hallucinations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of delirium tremens¹

First recorded in 1813; from New Latin: “trembling delirium”

Word History and Origins

Origin of delirium tremens¹

C19: New Latin, literally: trembling delirium