Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » delirium tremens

delirium tremens

(trē′mənz, trem′ənz)

a violent delirium resulting chiefly from excessive drinking of alcoholic liquor and characterized by sweating, trembling, anxiety, and frightening hallucinations

Origin: ModL (1813), lit., trembling delirium

See delirium tremens in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An acute, sometimes fatal episode of delirium usually caused by withdrawal or abstinence from alcohol following habitual excessive drinking. It also may occur during an episode of heavy alcohol consumption.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin dēlīrium tremēns

Origin: : Latin dēlīrium, delirium

Origin: + Latin tremēns, trembling

Learn more about delirium tremens

delirium tremens medical definition

delirium tremens science

delirium tremens in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box