Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
cold-turkey
idiom
/ˌkoʊld ˈtɜːr.ki/
Definition
The abrupt cessation of a habit or addiction without any gradual reduction or assistance.
Examples
- After years of smoking, he decided to quit cold-turkey.
- She went cold-turkey on sugar for her New Year’s resolution.
- The counselor advised him to go cold-turkey rather than gradually reduce his alcohol intake.
Meaning
To quit something suddenly and completely, often referring to the stopping of substance use, such as drugs or alcohol, without tapering off.
Synonyms
- abruptly quitting
- stopping suddenly
- cutting off completely
