Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

punch-drunk

adjective

/ˈpʌnʧ dʌŋk/

Definition

having a dazed or confused state due to repeated blows to the head, especially in boxing; also refers to being silly or daffy due to exhaustion or stress.

Examples

After the long meeting, I felt punch-drunk and struggled to focus on simple tasks.
The boxer became punch-drunk after years of fighting, leading to difficulties in his speech.
She was punch-drunk after staying up all night studying for her exams.

Meaning

The term describes a condition resulting from head trauma or, more casually, a state of being giddy or disoriented usually caused by fatigue or overwhelming circumstances.