intoxicate

/ɪnˈtɒksɪkeɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌɪntˈɑksəkˌet] /ɪnˈtɑːksɪkeɪt/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌɪntˈɑksəkˌet] /in-ˈtäk-sə-ˌkāt/ (ame, mw)

intoxicate — verb

  • intoxicatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • intoxicateshe / she / it
  • intoxicatedpast simple
  • intoxicating-ing form

1. to make someone unable to judge clearly or keep steady control because alcohol o

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make someone unable to judge clearly or keep steady control because alcohol or drugs have affected them

例句

Two strong cocktails intoxicated Valentina before the concert even started.

alcohol intoxicates someone before an event

The fumes quickly intoxicated Harper inside the locked storage room.

fumes intoxicate someone in an enclosed space

同義詞
  • inebriate

    very formal and often linked especially to alcohol

  • drug

    broader and often suggests giving a substance to someone

  • stupefy

    focuses more on dullness or confusion than on intoxication itself

文法句型

alcohol intoxicates someone

drugs intoxicate someone

be intoxicated by alcohol or drugs

用法筆記

Often appears in formal, medical, or legal English. The cause is usually alcohol, drugs, or fumes, and the object shows reduced control or judgement rather than simple tiredness.

常見錯誤

❌The loud music intoxicated the children.
✅The loud music excited the children.
💡this sense is for alcohol, drugs, or another substance affecting control, not ordinary fun.

2. to fill someone with such excitement or pleasure that normal caution and calm ju

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to fill someone with such excitement or pleasure that normal caution and calm judgement begin to disappear

例句

Early praise intoxicated Yasmin and made every small success feel huge.

figurative subject: praise intoxicates someone

The sudden applause intoxicated Anong with confidence before the final round.

intoxicate someone with + feeling

同義詞
  • elate

    suggests strong happiness, often after success

  • exhilarate

    emphasises a lively rush of energy and excitement

  • sweep away

    focuses on losing balance or restraint because of a feeling

文法句型

praise intoxicates someone

intoxicate someone with confidence

success intoxicates someone

用法筆記

Usually takes subjects such as praise, victory, fame, or power. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is figurative and describes strong emotional excitement rather than alcohol or drug effects.

常見錯誤

❌The clean kitchen intoxicated me.
✅The clean kitchen pleased me.
💡this figurative sense needs a strong rush of excitement or pleasure, not mild satisfaction.