Definition

1. 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

1. acute delirium caused by alcohol poisoning