Reading Theme:
Driving Under the Influence: Definition and Key Facts
Meaning 1：operating a vehicle while impaired (driving under the influence)
driving under the influence
/ˈdraɪvɪŋ ˈʌndər ðə ˈɪnfluəns/
n.
It means driving a vehicle after drinking alcohol or taking drugs that affect your mind and body.
operating a vehicle while impaired
➕
/ˈɒpəreɪtɪŋ ə ˈviːɪkəl waɪl ɪmˈpɛərd/
n.
The act of driving a car, truck, or other vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs to the point where one's mental and physical abilities are diminished, making it illegal and dangerous.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Phrase combining 'driving' (operating a vehicle) with 'under the influence' (affected by alcohol/drugs).
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a car swerving—'under the influence' pushes your driving off course.
📖 Example
Our driving instructor explained the dangers of driving under the influence and how it impairs judgement.
Our driving instructor explained the dangers of driving under the influence and how it impairs judgement.
🔗 Collocations
be charged with driving under the influence – to be formally accused of the crime of impaired driving
convicted of driving under the influence – found guilty in court of operating a vehicle while impaired
DUI checkpoint – a police roadblock where drivers are tested for alcohol or drug impairment
🔄 Synonyms
drunk driving (n.) – the act of driving after drinking too much alcohol
DUI (n.) – an abbreviation for 'driving under the influence', commonly used in legal contexts
impaired driving (n.) – driving while one's abilities are reduced by alcohol or drugs
🚫 Antonyms
sober driving (n.) – driving with no alcohol or drugs in one's system
designated driver (n.) – a person who refrains from drinking to safely drive others home
🌱 Derivatives
DUI (n.) – an acronym for driving under the influence
📖 Cultural Story
Coined in early 20th-century U.S. law enforcement after Prohibition, now a standard legal term for impaired operation of vehicles.
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