alcoholism

[ al-kuh-haw-liz-uh m, -ho- ]
/ ˈæl kə hɔˌlɪz əm, -hɒ- /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR alcoholism ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Pathology.

a chronic disorder characterized by dependence on alcohol, repeated excessive use of alcoholic beverages, the development of withdrawal symptoms on reducing or ceasing intake, morbidity that may include cirrhosis of the liver, and decreased ability to function socially and vocationally.
Compare alcoholic psychosis.

Origin of alcoholism

First recorded in 1855–60; alcohol + -ism

Words nearby alcoholism

alcoholic, alcoholic cirrhosis, alcoholic psychosis, alcoholicity, alcoholics anonymous, alcoholism, alcoholize, alcoholometer, alcoholysis, alcolock, alcon

Words related to alcoholism

crapulence, addiction, drunkenness, dipsomania, vinosity

Example sentences from the Web for alcoholism

British Dictionary definitions for alcoholism

alcoholism
/ (ˈælkəhɒˌlɪzəm) /

noun

a condition in which dependence on alcohol harms a person's health, social functioning, or family life

Medical definitions for alcoholism

alcoholism
[ ăl′kə-hô-lĭz′əm ]

n.

The compulsive consumption of and psychophysiological dependence on alcoholic beverages.
A chronic, progressive pathological condition, mainly affecting the nervous and digestive systems, caused by the excessive and habitual consumption of alcohol. chronic alcoholism
Temporary mental disturbance and muscular incoordination caused by excessive consumption of alcohol. acute alcoholism

Scientific definitions for alcoholism

alcoholism
[ ăl′kə-hô-lĭz′əm ]

A progressive, potentially fatal disease characterized by the excessive and compulsive consumption of alcoholic beverages and physiological and psychological dependence on alcohol. Chronic alcoholism usually results in liver and other organ damage, nutritional deficiencies and impaired social functioning.

Cultural definitions for alcoholism

alcoholism

A chronic disease associated with the excessive and habitual use of alcohol; the disease, if left unattended, worsens and can kill the sufferer. Alcoholism is marked by physical dependency and can cause disorders in many organs of the body, including the liver (see cirrhosis), stomach, intestines, and brain. It is also associated with abnormal heart rhythms, with certain cancers, and, because of loss of appetite, with poor nutrition. The cause of alcoholism is very complicated and most often involves a mixture of physical, psychological, and possibly genetic factors.