Intoxication

/ɪnˌtɒksɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The state of being poisoned or affected by a substance like alcohol, making you lose control of your normal body and mind functions.

Etymology

From Latin 'toxicum' (poison) combined with the prefix 'in-' (into) and the suffix '-tion.' The word originally meant literal poisoning before it became associated specifically with alcohol and drugs around the 1600s.

Kelly Says

The root 'tox' literally comes from ancient arrows dipped in poison, so 'intoxication' originally meant being shot with a poison arrow—now it describes how a substance enters your body and affects your thinking.

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