ˈælkə(ˌ)hɔlˌɪzəm ˈælkəhɒlˌɪzəm ˌdɪpsə(ʊ)ˈmeɪnɪə ˈdɹʌŋkən.nəs an intense persistent desire to drink alcoholic beverages to excess habitual intoxication; prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks leading to a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol such that abrupt deprivation leads to severe withdrawal symptoms