How to Pronounce Intoxication

Say it like this: in-tok-sih-KAY-shun. The stress falls on the fourth syllable, which is 'KAY.' Think of it as sounding like 'in' (like the word 'in'), then 'tock' (like a clock sound), then 'sih,' then 'KAY' (like the letter K), and finally 'shun.'

The stressed syllable is KAY, which is the fourth part of the word. A common mistake is stressing the wrong part—like saying in-TOK-sih-kay-shun instead of in-tok-sih-KAY-shun. Remember to punch the 'KAY' sound and you'll say it correctly.

The word breaks into five syllables: in-tok-sih-KAY-shun. Each syllable gets its own beat when you say it slowly.

Intoxication is the state when someone's body and mind are affected after consuming alcohol or drugs, leading to things like fuzzy thinking or unsteady movements. It's a temporary condition where normal function is impaired.

The word comes from the Latin root 'toxicum,' which means poison. The 'in-' at the start means 'into,' so intoxication literally means 'poison going in.' Over time, the word came to describe the state caused by alcohol or drugs.

Words like 'toxic' (poisonous) and 'toxin' (a poisonous substance) share the same Latin root 'toxicum.' You'll also hear 'intoxicated' as the adjective form, meaning someone is currently in a state of intoxication.

Here's an example: 'The doctor's note described the patient's current condition as acute intoxication.' This uses the word to describe a specific state the person is experiencing.

'Intoxication' is the noun—it names the condition or state itself. 'Intoxicated' is the adjective—it describes a person who is experiencing that condition. You could say 'The patient's intoxication was affecting their coordination,' or 'The patient was intoxicated.'