punch-drunk

[ puhnch-druhngk ]

adjective

1. (especially of a boxer) having cerebral concussion caused by repeated blows to the head and consequently exhibiting unsteadiness of gait, hand tremors, slow muscular movement, hesitant speech, and dulled mentality.
2. Informal. befuddled; dazed.

punch-drunk

adjective

1. demonstrating or characteristic of the behaviour of a person who has suffered repeated blows to the head, esp a professional boxer
2. dazed; stupefied

Word History and Origins

Origin of punch-drunk¹

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20

Example Sentences

Now, Northwestern University neurobiologists are the first to uncover what produces this punch-drunk effect.

From Science Daily

Bleary-eyed and punch-drunk on pumpkin pie and chocolate, you’d continue watching, only to return to that same scene or line later on in your mind, struggling to articulate your thoughts and feelings about it.

From Salon

Argentina were slightly punch-drunk and didn't really know how to counter it.

From BBC

We were equally punch-drunk by each other’s intellect.

From Los Angeles Times

But most people in this country remain punch-drunk, confused by the trauma and abuse they've been bombarded with during the Age of Trump.

From Salon