v. & n.
--v. (past drank; past part. drunk)
1. a tr. swallow (a liquid). b tr. swallow the liquid contents of (a vessel). c intr. swallow liquid, take draughts (drank from the stream).
2 intr. take alcohol, esp. to excess (I have heard that he drinks).
3 tr. (of a plant, porous material, etc.) absorb (moisture).
4 refl. bring (oneself etc.) to a specified condition by drinking (drank himself into a stupor).
5 tr. (usu. foll. by away) spend (wages etc.) on drink (drank away the money).
6 tr. wish (a person's good health, luck, etc.) by drinking (drank his health).
--n.
1. a a liquid for drinking (milk is a sustaining drink). b a draught or specified amount of this (had a drink of milk).
2 a alcoholic liquor (got the drink in for Christmas). b a portion, glass, etc. of this (have a drink). c excessive indulgence in alcohol (drink is his vice).
3 (as the drink) colloq. the sea.
Phrases and idioms:
drink deep take a large draught or draughts. drink-driver a person who drives a vehicle with an excess of alcohol in the blood. drink-driving the act or an instance of this. drink in listen to closely or eagerly (drank in his every word). drinking-song a song sung while drinking, usu. concerning drink. drinking-up time Brit. a short period legally allowed for finishing drinks bought before closing time in a public house. drinking-water water pure enough for drinking. drink off drink the whole (contents) of at once. drink to toast; wish success to. drink a person under the table remain sober longer than one's drinking companion. drink up drink the whole of; empty. in drink drunk. strong drink alcohol, esp. spirits.
Derivatives:
drinkable adj. drinker n.
Etymology: OE drincan (v.), drinc(a) (n.) f. Gmc