alcoholism
noun
, -kə-hə-\
Definition of alcoholism
Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.
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Synonyms & Antonyms for alcoholism
Synonyms
drunkenness, insobriety, intemperance, intemperateness
Antonyms
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Examples of alcoholism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The center played a role in the federal approval of two drugs used to treat chronic alcoholism, naltrexone and acamprosate. — Michael Walsh, courant.com, "Grant Funding Continues For UConn Health’s Alcohol Research Center," 7 Aug. 2019 Oden climbed his way out of alcoholism and has worked on his physical and mental health. — Robert General, Indianapolis Star, "Big 3: Greg Oden reflects on journey back to basketball, returns to Indianapolis with new perspective," 23 June 2019 The year after that, her father died of cirrhosis of the liver and other complications of alcoholism. — oregonlive.com, "The amazing life of Gloria Vanderbilt," 18 June 2019 Thank you for using yourself as an example to teach students about the dangers of alcoholism. — PEOPLE.com, "Valedictorian Calls Out 'Regularly Intoxicated' Teacher and Other Staff in Graduation Speech," 14 June 2019 In fact, a study analysis in Perspectives on Psychological Science suggests this feeling is involved in everything from depression and alcoholism, strokes, decreased immune system, and early death. — Colleen Stinchcombe, Woman's Day, "How to Deal With Loneliness and Feelings of Isolation," 11 Jan. 2019 After overcoming both alcoholism and an addiction to methamphetamine, Jodie has now been sober since 2011, and regularly visits colleges to speak to students about her experiences. — Emma Dibdin, Country Living, "All About Hallmark Star Jodie Sweetin's Difficult Journey to Find Love After Divorce," 15 Dec. 2018 But her family had a history of alcoholism and as time went on, Bingham developed a drinking problem of her own. — Devin Tomb, Good Housekeeping, "“At 54, I Don’t Feel As Hopeful”: The Untold Story of Suicide in the U.S.," 21 Sep. 2018 Researchers compared genetic analyses of 700 human brains from deceased individuals who had one of those three disorders, major depression or alcoholism (columns) with brains of individuals who had none of the conditions. — Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, "The Same Genes May Underlie Different Psychiatric Disorders," 12 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alcoholism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for alcoholism
alcoholism
noun
English Language Learners Definition of alcoholism
See the full definition for alcoholism in the English Language Learners Dictionary
alcoholism
noun
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Kids Definition of alcoholism
alcoholism
noun
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Medical Definition of alcoholism
Note: Alcoholism is typically characterized by the inability to control alcoholic drinking, impairment of the ability to work and socialize, tendency to drink alone and engage in violent behavior, neglect of physical appearance and proper nutrition, alcohol-related illness (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver), and moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms (such as irritability, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and confusion) upon detoxification.
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