intoxicate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
intoxicate Word Meanings
- to make someone unable to think clearly due to substances like alcohol.
- to excite or thrill someone intensely.
- to poison or make harmful.
intoxicate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
intoxicate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈtɒksɪkeɪt/
US
/ɪnˈtɑksɪkeɪt/
intoxicate Word Etymology
Root: 'in-' (not) + 'toxic' (poison) + '-ate' (make). Origin: Latin 'intoxicare' > Old French 'entoxiquer' > English. Memory image: Picture someone drinking from a bright, colorful cocktail, but the drink has a hidden toxic skull that reveals the excitement of intoxication can hide danger.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Intoxicate has two core senses. The first is literal: to cause a person to lose clear thinking or coordination because of alcohol or drugs. The second is figurative: to excite or thrill someone intensely, or to overwhelm them with a strong feeling. A third, more formal sense is to poison or harm someone. In everyday usage, it is common to describe becoming intoxicated from alcohol or drugs, or to describe a performance, music, or atmosphere that intoxicates an audience. The verb is transitive: you intoxicate someone, or you can say you are intoxicated. Note that intoxicate is more formal than everyday words like drunk or thrilled, and the noun form is intoxication.
Usage Reminders
- Intoxicate is formal and covers both physical impairment and strong emotional effect
- Do not use intoxicate to mean simply poison in everyday speech
- Intoxicate someone is the active form; you can be intoxicated (state)
- Know the noun intoxication as the condition or act
- Avoid confusion with related words like drunk, poisoned, or intoxicated
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing intoxicate with intoxicated (the state) or intoxication (the noun)
- Assuming it only refers to alcohol when it can also frighten or poison
- Using it for harmless excitement instead of a strong emotional impact
- Mistaking it for a medical term only
- Thinking it means to poison in everyday speech
Thinking Differences
English uses intoxicate flexibly for both subtle impairment and strong appeal; learners often mix it with intoxicated or intoxication and confuse with poison.
Learning Tips
- memorize the two core senses: impairment and strong appeal
- track the subject to know who is intoxicated vs who intoxicates
- distinguish intoxicating from intoxication as a noun
- use context cues to pick literal vs figurative sense
- practice with alcohol related vs non alcohol contexts
- review common collocations like intoxicated, intoxication
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'intoxicate'?
A.To make someone feel enthusiastic
B.To lose consciousness
C.To impair physical or mental faculties, usually due to alcohol or drugs
D.To become overly excited
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'intoxicate' correctly?
A.The beautiful sunset seemed to intoxicate the crowd.
B.The drink will intoxicate you if consumed too quickly.
C.His laughter was enough to intoxicate everyone in the room.
D.She decided to intoxicate her garden with more colorful flowers.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'intoxicate'?
A.Inebriate
B.Excite
C.Satisfy
D.Impress
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'intoxicate'?
A.Sober
B.Detoxify
C.Revive
D.Cleanse
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone may feel the effects of intoxication?
A.He chose to avoid the party because he doesn't drink.
B.She felt a great deal of clarity after drinking water.
C.After a night out, he felt very unwell and dizzy.
D.The celebration turned lively with music and dancing.
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