inebriate

[in-ee-bree-eyt, in-ee-bree-it]

verb (used with object)

inebriated, inebriating 

1. to make drunk; intoxicate.

2. to exhilarate, confuse, or stupefy mentally or emotionally.

noun

1. an intoxicated person.

2. a habitual drinker of alcohol who is frequently intoxicated.

adjective

1. Rare.,  inebriated.

inebriate

/ ˌɪnɪˈbraɪɪtɪ /

verb

1. to make drunk; intoxicate

2. to arouse emotionally; make excited

noun

1. a person who is drunk, esp habitually

adjective

1. drunk, esp habitually

Other Word Forms

• inebriation noun
• uninebriating adjective
• inebriety noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inebriate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin inēbriātus, past participle of inēbriāre “to make drunk,” equivalent to in- intensive prefix + ēbri(us) “drunk” + -ātus past participle suffix; in- ², -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of inebriate¹

C15: from Latin inēbriāre, from _in- ² + ēbriāre to intoxicate, from ēbrius drunk

Synonym Study

Inebriate and drunkard are terms for a person who drinks heavily or drinks hard liquors habitually. Drunkard is a judgmental label that connotes willful indulgence to excess. Inebriate is a formal term that sounds more factual or neutral than the stigmatizing label drunkard. Dipsomaniac is a rare, older term for a person who, because of some psychological or physiological illness, has an irresistible craving for liquor. Today, the dipsomaniac is more commonly called an alcoholic —another label that is judgmental and sometimes offensive. Rather than using either of those labels, it is more sensitive and accurate to describe such an individual as a person with alcohol use disorder, or a person who has alcoholism .

Example Sentences

Specktor was forced to get his mom, inebriated and sometimes unconscious, to her room safely.

From Los Angeles Times

While some believed that King had been drinking, no one told The Times that King appeared seriously inebriated.

From Los Angeles Times

In the hours after the shooting, seized by guilt and self-loathing, an inebriated Ferguson wished aloud for the death penalty, demanded to be punched in the face and predicted that he would burn in hell.

From Los Angeles Times

Investigators said she pushed him across the border into Mexico in a wheelchair due to his inebriated state.

From Los Angeles Times

The inebriated woman was confronted by a second woman, who told her to leave, the deputy said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• intoxicate 
• make drunk www.thesaurus.com