(n) habitual intoxication; prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks leading to a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol such that abrupt deprivation leads to severe withdrawal symptoms, Syn. drunkenness, inebriation, alcohol addiction
n. [ Cf. F. alcoolisme. ] 1. (Med.) Chronic excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages that leads to social, occupational, psychological and physiological problems. [ AS ]
2. (Med.) Psychological and physiological dependence on alcohol; sudden cessation of drinking may lead to withdrawal symptoms. [ AS + PJC ]