Definition of drunken

The English word "drunken" has its origins in the Old English language, dating back to around the 10th century. The Old English word was "druncen" or "drunken," with the same spelling and pronunciation as the Modern English form we use today. The etymology of the word can be traced back even further, to the Proto-Germanic language, where it was "drukkjan" or "drukkjaz." These forms evolved over time, as Germanic languages such as Old English, Old Norse, and Old High German diverged. The Proto-Germanic word likely derived from the Proto-Indo-European word "drih₁ug" or "drih₁uog", meaning "pressed," or "squeezed." This may refer to the process of making wine or beer, in which grapes or grains are pressed to extract their juice or flavor. The development of the word in Old English reflects the importance of drinking and drinking customs during that time. "Drunken" was sometimes hyphenated with nouns to indicate a condition, such as "drunken-fool" or "drunken-night." Overall, "drunken" has retained its basic meaning over the centuries, with some minor spelling and pronunciation variations in different English dialects. The word continues to be used today to describe someone who is intoxicated or drunk.