intoxication - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
intoxication Word Meanings
- the state of being drunk
- the condition of being overwhelmed by emotion
- the act of consuming a toxic substance
intoxication Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
intoxication Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˌtɒksɪˈkeɪʃən/
US
/ɪnˌtɑːk səˈkeɪ ʃən/
intoxication Word Etymology
The word can be divided into the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and the root 'toxic', which comes from the Greek 'toxikon' meaning 'poison'. It entered English through Latin 'intoxicatio'. Imagine someone falling asleep due to drinking too much and waking up in a chaotic party, a visual of overwhelming experiences.
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
Intoxication is a noun with several related meanings. In everyday English it most often means the state of being drunk from alcohol, marked by impaired balance, slowed thinking, and reduced self-control. It can also describe a powerful emotional overwhelm, for example when someone is overwhelmed or carried away by excitement, fear, or love, sometimes called emotional intoxication. A third sense is medical or legal: intoxication can refer to the act or condition of consuming a toxic substance, leading to poisoning or serious harm. In news or academic writing you might discuss drivers who are intoxicated, or the intoxicating effect of a scene or a piece of music, used metaphorically to describe strong influence. Notably, intoxication is distinct from addiction.
Usage Reminders
- Remember that intoxication mainly refers to alcohol-related drunkness, not only to general excitement. Do not confuse intoxication with addiction. Use intoxicated as the adjective, intoxication as the noun. When talking about poisoning, prefer terms like poisoning or poisoning-by-substance. In metaphorical use, keep it clearly about strong influence, not just happiness.
Common Misconceptions
- Intoxication only means drunkenness from alcohol.
- Intoxication is the same as addiction.
- Intoxication always involves loss of consciousness.
- Emotional overwhelm cannot be described as intoxication.
- Intoxication is the same as poisoning.
Thinking Differences
In English we can separate intoxication from emotion or poisoning clearly; learners often worry about nonstandard uses or metaphorical phrases. Emphasize collocations and surface forms to avoid misinterpretation in contexts like law or medicine.
Learning Tips
- Learn the three core senses: drunkenness, emotional overwhelm, and poisoning.
- Pair intoxication with intoxicated as the common adjective-noun contrast.
- Remember legal contexts often describe intoxication as driven by a toxin rather than alcohol alone.
- Use context clues to choose the right translation in your language.
- Practice 2-3 collocations: intoxication, intoxicated, intoxicate.
- Avoid confusing intoxication with addiction; they are different concepts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'intoxication' mean?
A.The state of being sober
B.The state of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
C.A feeling of extreme happiness
D.The process of becoming angry
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'intoxication' correctly?
A.Her intoxication from the wine led her to dance on the table.
B.He felt a sense of intoxication while studying.
C.The intoxication of success was evident in his speech.
D.The intoxication of the air was refreshing.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'intoxication'?
A.Soberness
B.Drunkenness
C.Clarity
D.Health
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'intoxication'?
A.Dehydration
B.Confusion
C.Sobriety
D.Euphoria
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context involving the word 'intoxication'?
A.A person enjoying a clear mind while driving.
B.Friends helping someone recover from their intoxication.
C.An individual struggling at a party due to their condition.
D.Someone making responsible decisions after a night out.
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