Inebriate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🍷
inebriate
[ɪˈniː.bri.eɪt ]
Definitions
become intoxicated
To make someone drunk or intoxicated.
Synonyms
drunk, inebriated, intoxicate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inebriate |
This word is rarely used in casual conversation and may appear in formal or clinical settings. It refers to a person who is intoxicated by alcohol.
|
| intoxicate |
Often used in both formal and informal settings. It can also refer to the effect of drugs, not just alcohol.
|
| drunk |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe someone who has consumed too much alcohol. It can have a negative connotation.
|
| inebriated |
A more formal or clinical term for being drunk, often used in medical or professional contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- He was inebriated with power and couldn't think clearly.
- She inebriated herself with alcohol to forget her troubles.
person who is drunk
A person who is habitually drunk or intoxicated.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inebriate |
Used in formal or medical contexts referring to a person affected by alcohol or has a tendency to overindulge in it. It is less commonly used in everyday language.
|
| drunkard |
Often used in a negative sense to label someone who frequently gets excessively drunk. It is somewhat old-fashioned and can be pejorative.
|
| alcoholic |
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone who is addicted to alcohol. It can be used clinically but also carries a certain social stigma.
|
| lush |
A slang term commonly used in an informal context. It usually refers to someone who often drinks a lot, sometimes humorously or affectionately but can be derogatory.
|
Examples of usage
- The inebriate stumbled down the street, unable to walk straight.
- He was known in the town as the local inebriate.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- In ancient cultures, alcohol was often used in rituals and celebrations, frequently leading to inebriation as a central theme.
- Prohibition in the 1920s highlighted the societal response to inebriation, attempting to control alcohol consumption in the U.S.
Psychology
- Alcohol consumption can lead to altered states of mind and behavior, affecting decision-making and emotional responses.
- Studies have shown that people under the influence often feel more relaxed, but this can impair their judgment significantly.
Pop Culture
- The portrayal of inebriation in films and literature often leads to comedic or dramatic moments, reflecting societal attitudes towards alcohol.
- Famous literary figures, like Ernest Hemingway, often wrote about their experiences with inebriation, making it a recurring theme in their work.
Health
- While moderate drinking can be socially acceptable, inebriation can pose serious health risks, including addiction and long-term organ damage.
- Understanding the effects of inebriation on the body can help individuals make informed choices about alcohol consumption.
Origin of 'inebriate'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'inebriatus,' meaning 'intoxicated,' evolving through time to become part of English vocabulary.
- Related words like 'inebriation' and 'inebriated' share the same Latin root, emphasizing a state of intoxication.
The word 'inebriate' originated from the Latin word 'inebriatus', which means 'to make drunk'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the state of being intoxicated or habitually drunk. Over the years, it has come to represent both the act of becoming drunk and a person who is frequently intoxicated.