Definition

1. Noun:

   • A substance that causes intoxication: An "intoxicant" is a drug, chemical, or agent (especially an alcoholic beverage) that can produce a state of intoxication, which includes effects like euphoria, reduced inhibitions, or impaired physical and mental control.
   • Specifically, an alcoholic drink: It often refers to a liquor, brew, or any drink containing alcohol as its active, intoxicating agent.

2. Adjective:

   • Causing intoxication: Describes a substance that has the property of inducing a state of intoxication.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Alcohol is a legal intoxicant in many countries.
  • The police tested for any intoxicants in his system.
• Adjective:
  • The plant contains an intoxicant substance used in traditional ceremonies.
  • They warned about the intoxicant effects of the medication.

Advanced Usage

• Legal/Formal Context: The term is often used in legal, medical, or formal contexts to describe substances that impair faculties.
  • The law prohibits operating machinery under the influence of any intoxicant.
• As a Countable/Uncountable Noun: It can be used both ways.
  • Countable: Various intoxicants were found at the scene.
  • Uncountable (as a category): The abuse of intoxicant is a serious concern.

Variants and Related Words

• Intoxicate (verb): To make someone drunk or exhilarated.
  • The strong drink quickly intoxicated him.
• Intoxication (noun): The state of being intoxicated; drunkenness.
  • He was charged with driving while under the influence of intoxication.
• Intoxicating (adjective): Causing intoxication; also used metaphorically.
  • She had an intoxicating laugh.

Synonyms

• Noun: Inebriant, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, narcotic (context-dependent).
• Adjective: Intoxicating, inebriating, psychoactive.

Related Phrases

• Under the influence of an intoxicant: A formal phrase meaning affected by a drug or alcohol.
  • He was arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

Notes on Meaning

The core meaning revolves around a substance that alters one's mental or physical state, typically leading to diminished control. While most commonly associated with alcohol, it can encompass other drugs. The adjectival form directly describes this intoxicating property.

Adjective

1. causing

Noun

1. a drug that can produce a state of intoxication
2. a liquor or brew containing alcohol as the active agent
   • alcohol (or drink) ruined him