Definition

Relating to a person who has a strong desire to drink alcohol excessively.

Example

His dipsomaniacal behavior worried his friends, who feared for his health.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of someone being dipsomaniacal?

Yeah, it means they have an uncontrollable craving for alcohol, right?

Exactly! It's a serious issue for some people.

I can’t imagine how difficult that must be for them.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dipsomaniacal → It is formed from "dipsa" (from Greek "dipsa", meaning thirst) and "mania" (from Greek "mania", meaning madness or obsession). The word describes a state of being obsessed with or having an uncontrollable thirst for alcohol.

Memory Tip

Think of 'thirst' ('dipsa') and 'madness' ('mania') to remember that dipsomaniacal refers to an obsession with alcohol.

Visually Confused Words