Drunk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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drunk

[drʌŋk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Affected by alcohol to the extent of losing control over one's faculties or behavior.

Synonyms

hammered, inebriated, intoxicated, tipsy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
drunk	General term used to describe someone who has consumed a lot of alcohol and is heavily affected by it. This word can be neutral or slightly informal. He was so drunk he couldn't walk straight They got drunk at the party last night
intoxicated	Formal term often used in medical, legal, or professional settings. Indicates someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The report indicated that he was highly intoxicated The police tested her to see if she was intoxicated
inebriated	More formal word for being drunk. Often used in written or professional contexts, sometimes to add a humorous or sophisticated tone. He was clearly inebriated at the dinner party The inebriated driver was arrested by the police
tipsy	Describes a light, mildly drunk state where someone is not heavily affected. Often used in light-hearted, informal contexts. Just one glass of wine, and I already feel tipsy She was a little tipsy after the dinner
hammered	Very informal slang that describes a state of extreme intoxication. Often used in casual or humorous contexts. After five shots, she was completely hammered They were all hammered by midnight

Examples of usage

He was so drunk that he couldn't even stand up straight.
She regretted the things she said while she was drunk.
The drunk driver caused a serious accident.
I don't like being around drunk people.
Drunk behavior is not acceptable in this establishment.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person

A person who is drunk or who habitually drinks to excess.

Synonyms

alcoholic, inebriate, lush, souse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
drunk	Used to describe someone who is under the influence of alcohol. It's often used informally and can either be neutral or carry a slight negative connotation. He's too drunk to drive. She got drunk at the party last night.
alcoholic	Refers to someone who has a chronic addiction to alcohol. This term is clinical and carries a more serious and negative connotation. It is used to describe someone with a dependence on alcohol. His father is an alcoholic and needs professional help. She joined a support group for alcoholics.
inebriate	A more formal or old-fashioned term for someone who is drunk. It can sound clinical or literary, and it isn't commonly used in everyday conversation. The inebriate stumbled down the street. He was behaving like an inebriate after the celebration.
souse	An informal term for someone who is habitually drunk. It is mostly used in a negative and derogatory way. He's become a souse since losing his job. Nobody wants to hire a souse like him.
lush	An informal and somewhat outdated term that refers to someone who drinks alcohol to excess frequently. It often has a negative and slightly mocking tone. He's known as the local lush. She was once a lush but has since quit drinking.

Examples of usage

He's a known drunk who spends most of his time in the bar.
The drunks were causing a disturbance on the street.
She's worried that her brother is becoming a drunk.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'drunk'

The word 'drunk' originated from the Middle English word 'drunken', which is derived from the Old English word 'druncen'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the state of being intoxicated by alcohol. Throughout history, the perception of drunkenness has varied, with different cultures and time periods having different attitudes towards alcohol consumption and drunken behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,644 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5641 unemployed
5642 mentally
5643 imposing
5644 drunk
5645 persuaded
5646 outlook
5647 attraction
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