delirium tremens

American  

[dih-leer-ee-uhm tree-muhnz, -menz] / dɪˈlɪər i əm ˈtri mənz, -mɛnz /

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.

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delirium tremens British  

/ 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

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delirium tremens Scientific  

/ dĭ-lîr′ē-əmtrē′mənz /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of delirium tremens

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

Example Sentences

Now you are suffering something akin to delirium tremens.

From Washington Post

His condition worsened and he died of delirium tremens, or the DTs.

From Washington Times

It’s like a game for people who want to experience all the symptoms of delirium tremens.

From Washington Post

An autopsy later found that she had been experiencing delirium tremens caused by withdrawal from diazepam, an anti-anxiety medication that P.T.S. staff members said they were never informed she was taking.

From New York Times

Much of it reads like a Telegraph commentator suffering from delirium tremens.

From The Guardian