Dictionary.com
definitions

intoxicate

[verb in-tok-si-keyt; adjective in-tok-suh-kit, -keyt]
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR intoxicate ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

RELATED CONTENT

munterRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
turntRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

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

Nearby words

  1. intortor,
  2. intortus,
  3. intourist,
  4. intown,
  5. intoxicant,
  6. intoxicated,
  7. intoxicating,
  8. intoxication,
  9. intoxicative,
  10. intr

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

Examples from the Web for intoxicate

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

intoxicate

v.

"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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine definitions for intoxicate

intoxicate

[ĭn-tŏk′sĭ-kāt′]

v.

To stupefy or excite, as by the action of a chemical substance such as alcohol.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.