(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
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
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 ]