delirium tremens
/di'liriəm'tri:menz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A severe and acute state of confusion and agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal: "Delirium tremens" is a serious medical condition that can occur when a person who is dependent on alcohol suddenly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol intake. It is characterized by sudden mental and nervous system changes.
- A form of acute delirium specifically linked to alcohol poisoning or withdrawal: The term is used medically to describe a specific syndrome involving hallucinations, tremors, anxiety, and disorientation resulting from alcohol toxicity or cessation.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The patient was admitted to the hospital suffering from delirium tremens.
- Withdrawal from chronic alcohol abuse can lead to delirium tremens, which requires immediate medical attention.
Advanced Usage
- "to go into delirium tremens": to enter the state of delirium tremens.
- After he quit drinking cold turkey, he went into delirium tremens.
- "a case of delirium tremens": an instance of this condition.
- The doctor diagnosed it as a classic case of delirium tremens.
Variants and Related Words
- DTs (n): A common abbreviation for "delirium tremens."
- He was shaking badly, a sure sign of the DTs.
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (n): The broader category of symptoms occurring upon cessation of alcohol, which can include delirium tremens as its most severe form.
Synonyms
- Alcohol withdrawal delirium: A more descriptive medical synonym.
- The horrors (informal): An old-fashioned, informal term for the condition.
Notes on Meaning
- Medical Specificity: "Delirium tremens" refers specifically to the acute, severe form of alcohol withdrawal. It is not a general term for any delirium or confusion.
- Severity: It is considered a medical emergency due to the risk of severe complications, including death.
Noun
- acute delirium caused by alcohol poisoning