under the influence meaning: definition, etymology

under the influence

adv

Etymology Elliptical, since the agent (any intoxicating substance) is implicit because it is understood in context.

Idiomatic While intoxicated or inebriated, in any degree from mildly impaired to stupefied, by a mind-altering substance, typically alcohol; thus, especially, drunk.

He was arrested for driving under the influence.
He was fired for showing up under the influence.

Derived terms: driving under the influence
Related terms: DUI, DWI

under the influence

adj

Etymology Elliptical, since the agent (any intoxicating substance) is implicit because it is understood in context.

Idiomatic Intoxicated or inebriated, in any degree from mildly impaired to stupefied, by a mind-altering substance, typically alcohol; thus, especially, drunk.

He was arrested for driving while under the influence.
He was fired for showing up when he was under the influence.

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.