intoxicant etymology

Etymology:

  • The word "intoxicant" comes from the Latin word intoxicare, meaning "to poison" or "to make drunk."
  • The Latin verb intoxicare is derived from the prefix in-, meaning "into," and the verb toxicare, meaning "to apply poison" or "to poison."

Meaning and Origin:

  • An intoxicant is a substance that causes a person's consciousness, behavior, and physical functions to be impaired or altered.
  • This impairment or alteration is typically caused by the substance's effects on the brain's chemistry and function.
  • Intoxicants include substances such as alcohol, drugs, and certain inhalants.

Historical Usage:

  • The earliest recorded use of the word "intoxicant" in English dates back to the 17th century.
  • It originally referred specifically to substances that caused drunkenness, such as alcohol.
  • Over time, the term expanded to encompass a wider range of substances that could produce intoxication.

Modern Usage:

  • In modern usage, "intoxicant" is used both as a noun and an adjective.
  • As a noun, it refers to any substance that can cause intoxication.
  • As an adjective, it describes something that is capable of causing intoxication, such as an "intoxicating beverage."

intoxicant relate terms

  • intoxicate

    Etymology The word intoxicate comes from the Latin word intoxicare which means to p

  • toxic

    Etymology Toxic derives from the Late Latin word toxicum meaning poison Toxicum is

  • intoxicated

    Etymology Intoxicated The word intoxicated originated from the Latin word intoxicar

  • alcohol

    Etymology of Alcohol The word alcohol originates from the Arabic word al kuhl whi

  • booze

    Etymology The word booze is derived from the Middle Dutch word būsen meaning to d

  • wine

    Etymology The word wine originates from the Latin word vinum which is believed to ha

  • liquor

    Etymology The word liquor derives from the Latin word liquor meaning liquid Mea

  • cordial

    Etymology The word cordial derives from the Latin cor meaning heart and the suffi

  • sake

    Etymology of Sake The word sake 酒 originates from the Old Japanese word saka 酒

  • drink

    Etymology The word drink comes from the Old English word drincan which is derived fr

  • hooch

    Etymology of Hooch Proto Indo European h₂eḱ sharp sour Proto Germanic ak

  • brew

    Etymology The word brew has Old English origins dating back to the 8th century It is