inebriate

UK: ɪˈniːbriət | US: ɪˈniːbriət

Definition

  1. vt. to make drunk; to intoxicate

  2. adj. drunk; intoxicated

  3. n. a person who is drunk or habitually intoxicated

Structure
in <in, into>ebri <drunk (from Latin *ebrius*)>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "inebriate" traces back to Latin inebriare, combining in- (into) + ebrius (drunk). The root ebrius likely derives from ēbrietās (drunkenness), linked to the Proto-Indo-European h₁egʷʰ- (to drink). Over time, inebriate evolved in English (15th century) to describe both the act of causing intoxication and the state of being drunk. The suffix -ate standardizes it as a verb, aligning with Latin-derived English verbs like "animate."

Examples

  1. The strong wine quickly inebriated the guests at the party.

  2. He was arrested for driving while inebriated.

  3. The bar refused to serve the visibly inebriate man.

  4. Her speech slurred, a clear sign she was inebriated.

  5. Chronic inebriates often struggle with health and social issues.