Choose the most appropriate explanation of the given word:-
DIPSOMANIA
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A morbid compulsion to drink
Dipsomania means an uncontrollable craving for alcoholic drink. It comes from the Greek dipsa (thirst) and -mania (a compulsive urge), so it is "a morbid compulsion to drink".
Example: The old doctor’s notes described the patient’s dipsomania and his many attempts to give up alcohol.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: A morbid compulsion to dip chips into sauces — Incorrect. It plays on the sound of the English word "dip"; the "dipso-" in dipsomania comes from the Greek word for thirst.
Option 3: A morbid fear of thirst — Incorrect. A morbid fear is a phobia; -mania names an urge, not a fear.
Option 4: A morbid compulsion to lie — Incorrect. A compulsion to lie is called mythomania, not dipsomania.