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punch-drunk

adjective
\ ˈpənch-ˌdrəŋk How to pronounce punch-drunk (audio) \

Definition of punch-drunk

1 : suffering from brain injury from repeated blows to the head : affected with or exhibiting chronic traumatic encephalopathy In the argot of the not-so-sweet science, he had been punch-drunk, his brain dying prematurely as a result of his taking so many blows to the head. — Sports Illustrated
2 : behaving as if punch-drunk : dazed, confused
Other Words from punch-drunk Synonyms & Antonyms Learn More about punch-drunk

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First Known Use of punch-drunk

1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for punch-drunk

punch entry 2

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More Definitions for punch-drunk

punch-drunk

adjective
How to pronounce punch-drunk (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of punch-drunk

of a boxer : confused and unable to speak or move normally because of being punched many times in the head
informal : unable to think or act normally because you are very tired, excited, etc.

See the full definition for punch-drunk in the English Language Learners Dictionary

punch-drunk

adjective
\ ˈpənch-ˌdrəŋk How to pronounce punch-drunk (audio) \

Medical Definition of punch-drunk

: suffering from brain injury from repeated blows to the head : affected with or exhibiting chronic traumatic encephalopathy An American doctor, Harrison Martland, observed as early as 1928 that boxers who took considerable punishment could become punch-drunk.— Peter Stoler, Time, 1 Oct. 1984

Other Words from punch-drunk

punch-drunkenness \ -​ˌdrəŋ-​kən-​nəs How to pronounce punch-drunkenness (audio) \ noun

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