intemperate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective (of weather or climate) not mild; subject to extremes
    • an intemperate climate
    • intemperate zones
  2. adjective excessive in behavior
    • intemperate rage
  3. adjective satellite given to excessive indulgence of bodily appetites especially for intoxicating liquors
    heavy; hard.
    • a hard drinker

WordNet


In*tem`per*ate adjective
Etymology
L. intemperatus. See In- not, and Temperate.
Definitions
  1. Indulging any appetite or passion to excess; immoderate to enjoyments or exertion.
  2. Specifically, addicted to an excessive or habitual use of alcoholic liquors.
  3. Excessive; ungovernable; inordinate; violent; immoderate; as, intemperate language, zeal, etc.; intemperate weather.
    Most do taste through fond intemperate thirst. Milton.
    Use not thy mouth to intemperate swearing. Ecclus. xxiii. 13.
In*tem`per*ate transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To disorder. Obs.

Webster 1913