Definition

1. Noun:
   • An alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented: This refers specifically to a type of liquor or spirit with a high alcohol content, produced through the process of distillation. Examples include whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and brandy. It is distinct from fermented beverages like beer or wine.

Usage

• The term "strong drink" is a formal or literary way to refer to distilled spirits. It often carries a connotation of potency and, in some contexts, of caution or warning regarding its effects.
• It is typically used as a non-count noun (e.g., "a glass of strong drink") but can be used countably when referring to types or servings (e.g., "various strong drinks").

Examples

• Noun:
  • The law prohibited the sale of all strong drink.
  • He was known to indulge in strong drink on occasion.
  • The cabinet contained an assortment of strong drinks: whiskey, gin, and rum.

Advanced Usage

• "The demon strong drink": A literary or rhetorical phrase personifying alcohol as a destructive force.
  • He fought a lifelong battle against the demon strong drink.
• Used in legal, religious, or historical contexts to specify distilled alcohol as opposed to other alcoholic beverages.

Variants and Related Words

• Liquor (n): The most common synonym in American English for distilled alcoholic drink.
• Spirits (n): A common synonym, especially in British English.
• Hard liquor (n): A colloquial term emphasizing high alcohol content.
• Booze (n, informal): A general, informal term for alcoholic drink, not specific to distilled spirits.
• Distillate (n): The technical product of distillation, which can include spirits.

Synonyms

• Spirits
• Liquor
• Hard alcohol
• Distilled beverage

Antonyms

• Non-alcoholic drink
• Soft drink
• Fermented beverage (e.g., beer, wine)

Related Idioms

• To take to strong drink: To begin drinking alcohol heavily, especially as a coping mechanism.
  • After his loss, he sadly took to strong drink.
• Strong drink is raging: A biblical idiom (Proverbs 20:1) warning that alcohol is deceptive and can lead to violent or unrestrained behavior.

Noun

1. an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented