Drunken

Definition

Drunken is most commonly used as an adjective meaning intoxicated with alcohol; it can also function as a noun (chiefly historical or poetic) referring to a person in a state of intoxication.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun (archaic/poetic)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈdrʌŋkən/
• Respelling: DRUNK-en

British English

• IPA: /ˈdrʌŋkən/
• Respelling: DRUNK-en

Etymology

Old English druncen, past participle of drincan “to drink”; the adjective developed from the past participle form, and the noun sense arose byellipsis (“the drunken” = “the drunken ones”).

Derivatives

• drunkenness (noun)
• drunkenly (adverb)

Synonyms

• intoxicated
• inebriated
• tipsy
• soused
• plastered

Antonyms

• sober
• abstinent
• teetotal
• clear-headed

Usage

Adjective: The adjective "drunken" describes someone’s state of intoxication or actions characteristic of being drunk. For example, "He made a few drunken errors on his way home," or "The bar was filled with drunken laughter."

Noun: In archaic or poetic usage, "the drunken" refers collectively to people who are intoxicated. For example, "The festival was peopled by a merry throng of drunken."

Related Terms

• Intoxication: The physical and mental effects of alcohol.
• Inebriation: The state of being drunk.
• Sobriety: The state of not being under the influence of alcohol.
• Tipsiness: Mild intoxication.
• Booze: Informal term for alcoholic drink.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Intoxicated with alcohol – having one’s faculties impaired by drink.
  • Example: "After several pints, he wandered home in a drunken stupor."
• Characteristic of or resulting from heavy drinking – exhibiting slurred speech, unsteady gait, or loud behavior.
  • Example: "Her drunken ramblings kept the neighbors awake."

Noun (archaic/poetic)

• A person who is intoxicated – one under the influence of alcohol.
  • Example: "The revelers marched on, a rowdy band of drunken."