Inebriated

/ɪnˈebrieɪtɪd/ adjective

Definition

Very drunk; having consumed too much alcohol and being significantly impaired.

Etymology

From Latin 'inebriatus' (drunk), combining 'in-' (to cause) and 'ebrius' (drunk). The word entered English in the 1500s and remained the formal, somewhat humorous way to describe intoxication rather than crude terms.

Kelly Says

Inebriated is the sophisticated word that shows up in old police reports and comedies—there's something almost genteel about calling someone 'inebriated' instead of drunk! The Romans had the word 2,000 years ago because wine was so central to their culture.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.