under the influence

1. Impaired functioning owing to alcohol consumption, as in He was accused of driving under the influence. This expression, from legal jargon, is short for under the influence of intoxicating liquor and implies that one is not completely drunk. Since it is nearly always applied to drivers suspected or so accused, it has given rise to the police acronym DUI, for “driving under the influence.” [Second half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

Cutler was charged with DUI, possession of a handgun while under the influence, failure to exercise due care and violating implied consent.

From Los Angeles Times

The reality TV star, convicted last year of driving under the influence, was released early.

From Los Angeles Times

Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said that Martinez had been convicted for driving under the influence in Los Angeles and had entered the country illegally in 2022, but was released.

From Los Angeles Times

She was sentenced in February to two years in prison with one year suspended after she was convicted in 2024 of driving under the influence in Potomac.

From Los Angeles Times

Maryland police arrested Huger in March 2024, citing her for driving under the influence after she crossed a median and hit street signs, crashing her Maserati.

From Los Angeles Times