Inebriate: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• The rehabilitation center specializes in helping inebriates recover from their addictions.
• He was known to be an inebriate and often caused trouble in his drunken state.

Often used in both formal and informal settings. It can also refer to the effect of drugs, not just alcohol.

• Excessive drinking can easily intoxicate a person and impair their judgment.
• They were intoxicated by the strong smell of the flowers.

Commonly used in everyday language to describe someone who has consumed too much alcohol. It can have a negative connotation.

• After three beers, he was clearly drunk and couldn't walk straight.
• The party was full of drunk teenagers making a lot of noise.

A more formal or clinical term for being drunk, often used in medical or professional contexts.

• The patient was inebriated and required monitoring to ensure his safety.
• She felt embarrassed after realizing she had become inebriated at the office party.

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.

• The clinic specializes in treating inebriates with long-term dependency on alcohol.
• He was arrested for driving while inebriated.

Often used in a negative sense to label someone who frequently gets excessively drunk. It is somewhat old-fashioned and can be pejorative.

• The town's notorious drunkard was found passed out in the park.
• He's been labeled a drunkard by his neighbors.

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.

• Julia is seeking help because she realizes she is an alcoholic.
• The support group is for alcoholics and their families.

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.

• My uncle is a bit of a lush; he never misses happy hour.
• She jokingly referred to herself as a lush after ordering another cocktail.