Inebrire

Inebrire is an obscure verb that is sometimes cited in historical or linguistic discussions as an archaic or variant form meaning to intoxicate or to render someone intoxicated. It is not widely attested in modern English dictionaries and is not used in contemporary writing.

Etymology and attestation are unclear due to sparse evidence. Analysts generally link the notion of ine­brire to the same semantic field as inebriate, which derives from Latin roots connected with drunkenness. Because the form ine­brire appears only rarely in a few sources, its exact lineage and standard spelling remain debated among lexicographers.

Usage and modern status: in current practice, ine­brire is regarded as a historical or philological curiosity rather than a productive part of the language. When it appears, it is typically within discussions of archaic spellings, variant forms, or etymological notes rather than in active vocabulary. For most writers, the preferred terms are inebriate or intoxicate, depending on the context.

See also: inebriate; intoxication; inebriation; drunkenness.