dipsomania

[ dip-suh-mey-nee-uh, -soh- ]

noun

1. (no longer in technical use) an irresistible, typically periodic craving for alcoholic drinks.

dipsomania

/ ˌdɪpsəʊˈmeɪnɪə /

noun

1. a compulsive desire to drink alcoholic beverages

Word History and Origins

Origin of dipsomania¹

First recorded in 1835–45; from New Latin, from Greek díps(a) “thirst” + -o- connecting vowel + manía “enthusiasm (for)”; -o- -mania

Word History and Origins

Origin of dipsomania¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek dipsa thirst + -mania

Example Sentences

What compensation dipsomania gave him I know not, but that he did get some kind of wild joy I am quite sure.

From Project Gutenberg

I dislike to hear drunkenness called dipsomania, as I so often do; but I do not therefore say that dipsomania is only drunkenness.

From Project Gutenberg

Dr. Curtis did not mean by religio-mania religious appreciation; neither did he mean by dipsomania, temperate use of stimulants.

From Project Gutenberg

Probably, with the low cunning and fallacious reasoning of dipsomania, he had pouched her savings with that very thought in mind.

From Project Gutenberg

Speaking of intemperance in relation to crime, he states that: 'Brain-workers provide the most hopeless cases of dipsomania.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• appetite
• hankering
• hunger
• itch
• longing
• lust
• passion
• thirst
• yearning