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

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 • Jul. 6, 2016

The book records a period of acute psychological and spiritual disorientation, delirium tremens, the near-destruction of a literary intelligence, starring Kerouac as Jack Duluoz, “bloody ‘King of the Beatniks.’”

From Slate • Jan. 15, 2013

Do you know what is meant by delirium tremens, reader?

From Fifteen Years in Hell by Benson, Luther

There had been no evidence of delirium tremens, but apparently the doctor felt he had scored a point.

From Badge of Infamy by Del Rey, Lester

Then it became plain that delirium tremens was not written on his face quite so plainly as Mr. Smirkie had at first thought, and there was nothing left but his trousers to condemn him.

From John Caldigate by Trollope, Anthony