ALCOHOLISM

dipsomania, alcoholism, potomania

(noun) an intense persistent desire to drink alcoholic beverages to excess

alcoholism, alcohol addiction, inebriation, drunkenness

(noun) 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

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

alcoholism (usually uncountable, plural alcoholisms)

A chronic disease caused by compulsive and uncontrollable consumption of alcoholic beverages, leading to addiction and deterioration in health and social functioning.

Synonym: dipsomania

(pathology) Acute alcohol poisoning.

Hypernyms

• (addiction): (DSM5)

Source: Wiktionary

Al"co*hol*ism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. alcoolisme.] (Med.)

Definition: A diseased condition of the system, brought about by the continued use of alcoholic liquors.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition