Drunken: meaning, definitions and examples

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drunken

[ˈdrʌŋkən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

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

Synonyms

drunk, inebriated, intoxicated, tipsy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
drunken	Used to describe a state of having consumed too much alcohol, often suggesting negative consequences. It is typically used as an adjective before a noun. He was arrested for drunken driving. They found him in a drunken stupor.
intoxicated	A formal term that can refer to the effects of not only alcohol but also drugs. Often used in legal or medical contexts. She was visibly intoxicated. He faced charges for public intoxication.
inebriated	A more formal or clinical term for being under the influence of alcohol. Suitable for medical, legal, or academic contexts. The patient appeared inebriated. He was charged with driving while inebriated.
drunk	Commonly used to describe someone who has consumed a lot of alcohol and is visibly impaired. It can be used as both an adjective and a noun. He got drunk at the party. There was a group of drunks outside the bar.
tipsy	Used to describe a mildly impaired state from alcohol, often in a light-hearted or casual manner. After two glasses of wine, she felt tipsy. We were all a bit tipsy after the celebration.

Examples of usage

He was arrested for drunken driving.
She was known for her drunken antics at parties.
The drunken man stumbled down the street.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

appearance

sloppy, untidy, or unkempt, especially as a result of drink.

Synonyms

disheveled, unkempt, untidy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
drunken	Used to describe someone who is under the influence of alcohol. This term often carries a strong negative connotation and suggests impaired behavior. He stumbled through the door in a drunken stupor. The party got out of control, with many of the guests becoming drunken and loud.
disheveled	Describes someone or something that appears messy, unkempt, or in disarray. Often used when referring to appearance, particularly clothing or hair. Her disheveled hair suggested she had just woken up. After the long journey, he looked disheveled and tired.
untidy	Describes something, often a space or appearance, that is not neat or orderly. It has a similar meaning to 'messy' but can also be used in more formal contexts. Her room was untidy, with clothes and books strewn everywhere. The report was hastily written and looked untidy.
unkempt	Refers to an appearance that is untidy and poorly maintained. Commonly used to describe hair, clothing, or a person’s general look. His unkempt beard gave him a rugged look. The house was unkempt, with clutter everywhere.

Examples of usage

He looked at her drunken face.
The room was in a drunken state after the party.
His drunken appearance gave away his condition.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'drunken' comes from the Old English word 'druncen,' which means 'to drink heavily.'
Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'drunkwaz,' meaning 'to be intoxicated.'
Over time, 'drunken' has become an adjective describing someone in a state of intoxication.

History

In ancient civilizations, alcohol was often used in religious rituals and believed to have divine properties.
During the Middle Ages, drinking was commonplace, and many people consumed more alcohol than water, due to concerns about water quality.
The 18th century saw a significant rise in gin consumption in England, which led to social reforms aimed at addressing drunkenness and its consequences.

Psychology

Drunkenness can affect the brain's neurotransmitters, leading to altered judgment and coordination difficulties.
Studies show that while intoxicated, people often display a phenomenon known as 'disinhibition,' where they engage in more reckless or bold behaviors.
Feeling 'drunken' can also change perceptions of time and space, making the world seem slower or faster than usual.

Pop Culture

In literature, drunken characters often symbolize a loss of control and reveal hidden truths about themselves, as seen in works by Shakespeare and Hemingway.
Many songs and films feature drunken antics, showcasing both comedic and serious consequences of excessive drinking.
Famous expressions like 'drunk as a skunk' have entered popular vernacular to humorously depict excessive alcohol consumption.

Health

Regular episodes of being drunken can lead to long-term health issues, including addiction, liver disease, and mental health problems.
Public health campaigns often address the dangers of excessive drinking and promote responsible consumption.
Research indicates that peer pressure can significantly influence how people drink and their tolerance levels when it comes to drunkenness.

Translations

Translations of the word "drunken" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bêbado

🇮🇳 नशे में

🇩🇪 betrunken

🇮🇩 mabuk

🇺🇦 п'яний

🇵🇱 pijany

🇯🇵 酔った (yotta)

🇫🇷 ivre

🇪🇸 borracho

🇹🇷 sarhoş

🇰🇷 취한 (chuihan)

🇸🇦 سكران

🇨🇿 opilý

🇸🇰 opitý

🇨🇳 醉了 (zuì le)

🇸🇮 pijan

🇮🇸 drukkinn

🇰🇿 мас

🇬🇪 დამთვრალი (damtvral)

🇦🇿 sərxoş

🇲🇽 borracho

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,893, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10890 ancestry
10891 jurisprudence
10892 calamity
10893 drunken
10894 inflated
10895 fasting
10896 vow
...