I. noun
1. : unrelieved blunt matter-of-fact statement or procedure : statement with irrevocable finality
I'm talking cold turkey to you … I think it wise if your relationship has ended — J.B.Clayton
2. : a sure victim : one facing certain defeat, punishment, or destruction
a cold turkey for the enemy
3. : abrupt complete cessation without medication of the use of drugs by a drug addict
trying the cold-turkey cure
4. : a cold aloof person
the head nurse was a cold turkey
II. adverb
Etymology: cold turkey , noun
: all at once : abruptly : as
a. : without a period of gradual adjustment, adaptation, or withdrawal
quit smoking cold turkey
b. : without preparation
non-English-speaking students dropped cold turkey into English-only classrooms