intoxicate

[verb in-tok-si-keyt; adjective in-tok-suh-kit, -keyt]

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verb (used with object), in·tox·i·cat·ed, in·tox·i·cat·ing.

to affect temporarily with diminished physical and mental control by means of alcoholic liquor, a drug, or another substance, especially to excite or stupefy with liquor.

to make enthusiastic; elate strongly, as by intoxicants; exhilarate: The prospect of success intoxicated him.

Pathology. to poison.

verb (used without object), in·tox·i·cat·ed, in·tox·i·cat·ing.

to cause or produce intoxication: having the power to intoxicate.

adjective

Archaic. intoxicated.

Origin of intoxicate

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin intoxicātus, past participle of intoxicāre to poison. See in-², toxic, -ate¹

Related formsin·tox·i·ca·ble

[in-tok-si-kuh-buh l] /ɪnˈtɒk sɪ kə bəl/, adjectivein·tox·i·ca·tor, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for intoxicate

ignite, agitate, disturb, rouse, embitter, worsen, infuriate, exacerbate, enrage, roil, rile, arouse, irritate, incense, kindle, provoke, intensify, stimulate, foment, move

Examples from the Web for intoxicate

Historical Examples of intoxicate

Their name, their garb, and work did so intoxicate and bewitch me.'
Bunyan
James Anthony Froude
She did not attempt to disguise her wish to please, to flatter, to intoxicate.
A Great Man
Arnold Bennett
She threw him one of those glances that intoxicate like wine.
The Child of Pleasure
Gabriele D'Annunzio
It did not intoxicate, but still further sobered, the beneficiary.
The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte
William Milligan Sloane
He, who offers incense to her intellect, may intoxicate and win.
The Young Maiden
A. B. (Artemas Bowers) Muzzey

British Dictionary definitions for intoxicate

intoxicate

verb (tr)

(of an alcoholic drink) to produce in (a person) a state ranging from euphoria to stupor, usually accompanied by loss of inhibitions and control; make drunk; inebriate

to stimulate, excite, or elate so as to overwhelm

(of a drug) to poison

Derived Formsintoxicable, adjectiveintoxicative, adjectiveintoxicator, noun

Word Origin for intoxicate

C16: from Medieval Latin, from intoxicāre to poison, from Latin toxicum poison; see toxic

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

Word Origin and History for intoxicate

"to poison," mid-15c., from Medieval Latin intoxicatus, past participle of intoxicare "to poison," from Latin in- "in" (see in- (2)) + toxicare "to poison," from toxicum "poison" (see toxic). Meaning "make drunk" first recorded 1570s. Related: Intoxicated; intoxicating.

intoxicate in Medicine

intoxicate

[ĭn-tŏk′sĭ-kāt′]

v.

To stupefy or excite, as by the action of a chemical substance such as alcohol.