Synonyms

dipsomaniac

American

[dip-suh-mey-nee-ak, -soh-] / ˌdɪp səˈmeɪ niˌæk, -soʊ- /

noun

(no longer in technical use) a person with alcoholism or alcohol use disorder, especially characterized by an irresistible, typically periodic craving for alcoholic drinks.

Related Words

See inebriate.

Other Word Forms

dipsomaniacal adjective

Etymology

Origin of dipsomaniac

First recorded in 1855–60; dipsomani(a) + -ac

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The world must remain in a reverent doubt as to whether he would, on the same principles, have presented a diplomatist to a dipsomaniac or a ratiocinator to a rat catcher.

From The Man Who Knew Too Much by Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith)

In England a spendthrift or dipsomaniac can only be controlled when he has spent all his money.

From Woman and Womanhood A Search for Principles by Saleeby, C. W. (Caleb Williams)

And his son was a hunchback and a dipsomaniac.

From Fire Mountain A Thrilling Sea Story by Springer, Norman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023