punch-drunk
Americanadjective
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(especially of a boxer) having cerebral concussion caused by repeated blows to the head and consequently exhibiting unsteadiness of gait, hand tremors, slow muscular movement, hesitant speech, and dulled mentality.
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Informal. befuddled; dazed.
adjective
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demonstrating or characteristic of the behaviour of a person who has suffered repeated blows to the head, esp a professional boxer
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dazed; stupefied
Etymology
Origin of punch-drunk
An Americanism dating back to 1915–20
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I feel punch drunk, to be honest,” Rory McIlroy said after a 76-76 weekend.
From Washington Times • Mar. 6, 2022
As for Buster Douglas he was punch drunk and ran off the board.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2019
The rapid cycling of the past month has made denizens of the nation’s capital both punch drunk and quippy.
From Washington Post • Jan. 31, 2018
Aberdeen looked punch drunk after that - the men in green and white sensed it and pushed for the second.
From BBC • Feb. 1, 2017
She had me on the ropes; I felt punch drunk, I couldn't deliver and I couldn't be angry either.
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
