5 syllables: in, tox, i, ca, tion. Stress on ca.
/ˌɪˌntɑksəˈkeɪʃən/
Say it backIntoxication refers to the state of being affected by a substance, typically alcohol or drugs, to the point of impaired physical or mental control. It can also describe the feeling of great excitement or enthusiasm. In linguistic use, it denotes the condition or act of poisoning or tainting, often described in medical or legal contexts. (2–4 sentences, 50–80 words)
"Her intoxication was evident from slurred speech and unsteady gait after a night out."
"The medication caused drowsiness and intoxication, making it unsafe to drive."
"Public health campaigns warn about the risks of intoxication and impaired judgment."
Break it as in-tox-i-ca-tion with the primary stress on the third syllable: /ˌɪnˌtɒk.sɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ in US/UK; US often /ˌɪnˈtɒk.sɪˌkeɪ.ʃən/ depending on rhythm. The syllable stresses are-ture-ty on the third syllable “ca.” Ensure the /t/ is crisp, /k/ is hard, and the final /ən/ is a neutral schwa. Be mindful of the secondary stress pattern if you’re speaking rapidly. Audio reference: you can listen to native speakers via Pronounce or Cambridge audio samples. IPA guide: US /ˌɪnˌtɒk.sɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/; UK /ˌɪn.tɒk.sɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/; AU similar to UK with slight vowel variation.
Two common errors: (1) Misplacing stress on the second syllable instead of the third, leading to a flatter rhythm: in-TOX-i-CA-tion. (2) Slurring the middle “tox” or mispronouncing the “ca” as ‘kuh’ instead of ‘kay-’. Correction: keep the primary stress on -ca-tion and use a clear /keɪ/ for the “ca” part, with a distinct /t/ and /k/ sounds before it. Practice the sequence: in • tox • i • ca • tion with crisp consonants and a releasing /ʃən/ at the end.
In US, the second syllable is typically unstressed and a clear /ˌɪnˌtɒk.sɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ with /ɒ/ as in “lot.” In UK, similar, but with a more rounded /ɒ/ and slightly different intonation; some speakers compress vowels leading to /ˈɪn.tɒkˌseɪ.ʃən/ in very fast speech. Australian pronunciation generally mirrors UK but with a broader vowel in /ɒ/ and a non-rhotic accent, often sounding like /ˌɪn.tɒk.sɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ with subtle vowel shifts. Listen to native speakers for phoneme realization.
Several phonetic challenges: (a) multisyllabic word with five syllables, (b) the sequence /tɒk.sɪ/ can blur in rapid speech, and (c) the /eɪ/ diphthong in “ca” is quick and requires precise position of the tongue for the glide. The combination of a clear /t/ and /k/ in close proximity and the final /ʃən/ can trip non-native speakers. Focus on the stressed syllable and crisp consonants. IPA cues: /ˌɪnˌtɒk.sɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/.
Yes. The key is maintaining the three main consonant blocks clearly: /tɒk/ and /keɪ/ before the final /ʃən/. The syllable boundary between /ɪ/ and /keɪ/ can be subtle in fast speech, so practice exaggeratedly separating /ɪ/ and /keɪ/ to cement rhythm. Ensure the “ca” portion produces a distinct /keɪ/ rather than a reduced vowel. Overall, keep stress on the /keɪ/ and the final /ʃən/ with a light touch on the preceding /ɪ/.
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Intoxication comes from the Latin in- (not) + toxicare (to poison) via Old French intoxication, ultimately from toxicum (poison). The earliest English attestations appear in the 15th century, initially tied to poisoning or the effects of poison, and later extended metaphorically to intoxication from alcohol or other substances. Over time, the sense broadened to encompass states of heightened excitement or stupor resulting from substances, and in modern usage covers pharmacological, legal, and social contexts. The word has retained core ties to poisoning or tainting, but the figurative sense of overpowering influence (e.g., intoxication by power) also surfaced in the Early Modern period and remains productive in contemporary language. The development reflects cultural concerns about substances, health, and behavior, with the semantic shift from literal poisoning to state-altering influence. (200–300 words)
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Words that rhyme with "intoxication"
-ion sounds
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