intoxicated
UK[ɪnˈtɒksɪkeɪtɪd]US[ɪnˈtɑːksɪkeɪtɪd]
adj
affected by alcohol or drugs to the point of losing control of one's faculties or behavior.
adj
(figuratively) extremely excited, exhilarated, or elated.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
toxic
ated
in
in
toxic
poison
ated
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'intoxicated' originates from the latin verb intoxicare, meaning 'to smear with poison'. this verb itself is built from the prefix in- ('into') and toxicum ('poison'), which referred to a poison used on arrows. the literal sense of 'poisoned' evolved in medieval latin to specifically denote the state of being poisoned by alcohol. the modern english meaning retains this core idea of being under the influence of a substance (alcohol or drugs) that acts as a poison to one's normal faculties. the figurative use for a state of intense excitement extends from the idea of being overwhelmed by a powerful, intoxicating influence.
Analysis
Structure: in (in) + toxic (poison) + ated (adjective suffix)
in- (latin origin, a prefix meaning 'in, into, within'); toxic (from latin toxicum, meaning 'poison'); -ated (latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning 'characterized by, having the nature of').
Examples
he was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
the crowd was intoxicated with joy after the team's victory.
the intoxicating aroma of the flowers filled the entire garden.