Intoxicant: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in formal or medical contexts to describe substances that can cause intoxication.

• Doctors warn that excessive use of any intoxicant can lead to serious health issues

Typically used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal contexts, to refer to alcoholic beverages.

• She decided to quit drinking alcohol for health reasons

Can be used both formally and informally to refer to any liquid consumed, but often colloquially refers to alcoholic beverages.

• Would you like to have a drink with us after work?

Informal and often used in casual conversation. It may have a slightly negative connotation if referring to excessive drinking.

• We're bringing some booze to the party tonight

Used to describe anything that has the potential to cause intoxication, typically referring to alcoholic beverages and certain drugs. Generally used in formal or medical contexts.

• The bar was filled with various intoxicants.
• Consuming any kind of intoxicant can impair your judgment.

A very general term used to describe any kind of matter, but often employed in legal or medical contexts to refer to drugs or chemicals that affect the body. Sometimes used to imply illegal drugs.

• The substance found in his locker tested positive for narcotics.
• She was caught transporting a controlled substance.

Commonly used to refer to both legal medications and illegal narcotics. It is a broad term that can apply to medicines prescribed by doctors as well as substances taken for recreational purposes. Can have a negative connotation when referring to illegal drugs.

• The doctor prescribed a new drug to help with my allergies.
• He was arrested for possession of illegal drugs.