delirium tremens

noun

delirium tre·​mens -ˈtrē-mənz How to pronounce delirium tremens (audio) -ˈtre- How to pronounce delirium tremens (audio)
: a violent delirium with tremors that is induced by excessive and prolonged use of alcoholic liquors

called also d.t.'s

Examples of delirium tremens in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Symptoms typically peak within the first 24 to 48 hours and can range from mild anxiety and shakiness to severe complications like seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023 Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal vary widely among people experiencing it, and can include anything from insomnia, anxiety, or agitation in mild cases, to delirium tremens, seizures, or hallucinations in severe cases, the agency says. Andi Babineau, CNN, 13 Jan. 2023 But with cannabis, users essentially eliminate risk of death by liver cirrhosis, delirium tremens, lung cancer and respiratory depression. WSJ, 27 June 2022 If left untreated, delirium tremens can trigger cardiovascular collapse. Carly Vandergriendt, SELF, 17 May 2022 Around half of all people who have a seizure during alcohol withdrawal will experience delirium tremens, a medical emergency that affects 3 to 5% of people with a history of alcohol abuse. Carly Vandergriendt, SELF, 17 May 2022 Alcohol withdrawal that progresses to delirium tremens causes intense hallucinations, as well as severe confusion, disorientation, and agitation. Carly Vandergriendt, SELF, 17 May 2022 As the story’s conclusion approaches, Birnam begins to battle with delirium tremens. The Economist, 30 Nov. 2020 Originally, the idea had come from Italy, where sodium oxybate is used both to treat the delirium tremens of alcohol withdrawal and to wean those with addiction off drinking. Eric Boodman, STAT, 10 Feb. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'delirium tremens.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, trembling delirium

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of delirium tremens was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near delirium tremens

Cite this Entry

“Delirium tremens.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delirium%20tremens. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

delirium tremens

noun
delirium tre·​mens -ˈtrē-mənz How to pronounce delirium tremens (audio) -ˈtrem-ənz How to pronounce delirium tremens (audio)
: a violent delirium with tremors that is induced by excessive and prolonged use of alcoholic liquors

called also d.t.'s

More from Merriam-Webster on delirium tremens

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