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Inebriating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inebriating

[ɪˈnɛbrɪˌeɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing effects of alcohol or drugs

Causing intoxication; producing drunkenness or exhilaration.

Synonyms

inebrious, intoxicant, intoxicating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inebriating

This word is typically used to describe the process or effect of causing someone to become drunk, often in formal or academic language.

  • The inebriating properties of the beverage were evident after just one glass.
  • The inebriating effect of the wine was slow but potent.
intoxicating

Often used to describe something that produces a strong emotional or physical reaction, not necessarily limited to alcohol. It can have both positive and negative connotations.

  • The music had an intoxicating rhythm that made everyone want to dance.
  • The intoxicating aroma of the flowers filled the garden.
intoxicant

This term is used to refer to a substance that causes intoxication, like drugs or alcohol. It is often used in legal, medical, or scientific contexts.

  • Alcohol is a common intoxicant that affects millions of people worldwide.
  • The legality of certain intoxicants varies from country to country.
inebrious

This is an archaic and formal term rarely used in modern conversation, typically found in older texts or literature to describe drunkenness.

  • The inebrious state of the character was vividly described in the novel.
  • His inebrious behavior at the party caused quite a scandal.

Examples of usage

  • The inebriating effects of the wine were evident as he stumbled around the room.
  • She enjoyed the inebriating feeling of being high on marijuana.
Context #2 | Verb

to make someone drunk or exhilarated

To make drunk; to intoxicate; to excite or elate excessively.

Synonyms

enrapture, excite, intoxicate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inebriating

This word is often used to describe something that causes a state of drunkenness or exhilaration, usually from alcohol or a similar substance. It has a somewhat negative connotation.

  • The potent cocktail was inebriating, leaving the guests feeling lightheaded.
  • The inebriating smell of jasmine filled the garden.
intoxicate

Similar to inebriating, intoxicate generally refers to the state of being drunk or influenced by a substance, but it can also mean being overwhelmed by emotions. This word can have negative implications.

  • The wine quickly intoxicated him, dulling his senses.
  • She was intoxicated by the thrill of the adventure.
enrapture

This word is used when something deeply thrills or delights someone, often used in a positive sense, almost spiritual or artistic experiences.

  • The symphony enraptured the audience, carrying them away with its beauty.
  • She was enraptured by the stunning sunset over the ocean.
excite

This word describes creating a feeling of enthusiasm or eagerness in someone, suitable for positive contexts, often with anticipation or high energy.

  • The news of the upcoming trip excited the children.
  • He was excited about starting his new job.

Examples of usage

  • He inebriated himself with a large amount of whiskey.
  • The music and atmosphere in the club inebriated the crowd.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Associations

  • Many societies have rituals around inebriation, from toasts at weddings to celebratory drinks at holidays, highlighting the social aspect of drinking.
  • Art and literature often explore themes of inebriation, with famous writers like Charles Bukowski and Edgar Allan Poe using intoxication as a means to inspire creativity.
  • In some cultures, certain beverages are associated with spiritual experiences, making inebriating substances tools for connection to the divine.

Health & Psychology

  • Studies show that moderate consumption can lead to increased sociability and decreased anxiety, but excessive inebriation has serious health risks.
  • The brain responds to alcohol by releasing dopamine, the 'feel-good' chemical, which explains why people may enjoy inebriating substances.
  • Long-term inebriating behavior can result in addiction, a complex condition requiring both psychological and physical approaches for recovery.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often use wine or other substances to explore themes of love, folly, and the human condition, showing the dual nature of inebriation.
  • Poems and novels frequently utilize intoxication as a metaphor for escape, freedom, or the exploration of deeper emotions.
  • Beat poets, like Allen Ginsberg, utilized inebriating substances to challenge social norms and express a sense of rebellion in their works.

Science

  • Researchers have identified how ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks, affects the central nervous system, leading to feelings of euphoria or tipsiness.
  • Alcohol affects neurotransmitters in the brain, including GABA, which inhibits brain activity and can lead to the feeling of relaxation often associated with being inebriated.
  • The process of inebriation varies among individuals based on factors such as age, gender, body weight, and genetic predisposition.

Origin of 'inebriating'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin 'inebriatus', meaning 'drunk' or 'intoxicated', indicating a long history of using substances to alter mood.
  • It is related to the word 'ebriety', which describes the state of being drunk, showing its roots in discussing altered states of mind.
  • The prefix 'in-' means 'not', while 'ebrius' refers to being drunk, literally translating to 'not sober'.

The word 'inebriating' originates from the Latin word 'inebriare', which means 'to make drunk'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe the effects of alcohol or drugs on a person. The term highlights the intoxicating and exhilarating impact of substances that alter one's state of mind.

See also: inebriated, inebriation, inebriety.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,174, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.