alcoholism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun habitual intoxication; prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks leading to a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol such that abrupt deprivation leads to severe withdrawal symptoms
    inebriation; drunkenness; alcohol addiction.
  2. noun an intense persistent desire to drink alcoholic beverages to excess
    dipsomania; potomania.

WordNet

Al"co*hol*ism noun
Etymology
Cf. F. alcoolisme.
Definitions
  1. (Med.) A diseased condition of the system, brought about by the continued use of alcoholic liquors.

Webster 1913