How Do You Spell DIPSOMANIA?

Pronunciation: [dˌɪpsəmˈe͡ɪni͡ə] (IPA)

"Dipsomania" is a medical term used to describe an uncontrollable urge to consume alcohol. Its spelling is quite peculiar, with "dipso" coming from the Greek word for thirst and "mania" for madness. The IPA phonetic transcription of "dipsomania" is /dɪpsoʊˈmeɪniə/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The pronunciation of the word may be difficult for non-native speakers due to the combination of the "ps" and "mn" consonant clusters which are not typical in English.

DIPSOMANIA Meaning and Definition

  1. Dipsomania is a noun that refers to a pathological or compulsive craving for alcoholic beverages and an inability to resist the urge to consume them excessively. It is characterized by an intense and irresistible impulse to drink alcohol, often leading to excessive and frequent bouts of heavy drinking.

    The term "dipsomania" is derived from the Greek words "dipso," meaning thirst or craving, and "mania," which denotes an obsession or an intense enthusiasm for something. It is primarily used in medical and psychological contexts to describe a condition or disorder where an individual experiences an overwhelming compulsion to consume alcohol, typically resulting in severe repercussions to their physical, mental, and social well-being.

    Dipsomania is classified as a form of addiction and is considered to be a chronic and progressive disorder. Those afflicted with dipsomania may exhibit an inability to control or limit their alcohol consumption, leading to repeated episodes of alcohol abuse. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit or reduce their alcohol intake.

    It is important to differentiate dipsomania from regular alcohol abuse or alcoholism. While alcoholism may involve a physical dependence on alcohol, dipsomania often describes a psychological compulsion or obsession with drinking rather than just physical addiction. Dipsomania is recognized as a significant issue that requires professional treatment and intervention to help individuals break free from the destructive cycle of excessive alcohol consumption.

  2. A recurring psychosis in which the patient from time to time is driven by an imperative compulsion to drink to excess of alcoholic beverages.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for DIPSOMANIA

Etymology of DIPSOMANIA

The word "dipsomania" is derived from two Greek roots: "dipsa" meaning "thirst" and "mania" meaning "madness" or "frenzy". Combining these roots, "dipsomania" literally translates to "thirst madness" or "an intense craving for alcohol". The term was coined in the early 19th century to describe a specific form of alcohol dependency or addiction.

Similar spelling words for DIPSOMANIA

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