intoxication
UK[ɪnˌtɒksɪˈkeɪʃn]US[ɪnˌtɑːksɪˈkeɪʃn]
n
the state of being drunk or under the influence of drugs.
n
a feeling of great excitement or happiness.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
toxic
ation
in
in
toxic
poison
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'intoxication' traces a vivid path from ancient weaponry to modern states of altered consciousness. its core, 'toxic', originates from the greek 'toxikon pharmakon', meaning 'poison for arrows', derived from 'toxon' (bow). this entered latin as 'toxicum' for any poison. the latin prefix 'in-' (into) was added to form a verb meaning 'to poison'. over time, the meaning softened and specialized. while retaining its literal sense of poisoning, it evolved to specifically denote the state induced by ingesting alcohol or drugs—a metaphorical 'poisoning' of the system that leads to inebriation or euphoria.
Analysis
Structure: in (in) + toxic (poison) + ation (noun suffix)
- in: latin prefix meaning 'in, into, on'.
- toxic: from latin 'toxicum' (poison), from greek 'toxikon' (poison for arrows).
- ation: latin-derived noun-forming suffix indicating an action, process, or state.
Examples
he was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, a charge often referred to as intoxication.
the intoxication of the crowd was palpable as their team scored the winning goal in the final seconds.
severe intoxication from the drug required immediate medical attention.