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tolerance

TOL-uh-runs /ˈtɒlərəns/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

formalmedicalgeneral

The diminishing effect of a drug after repeated administration at a given dose, requiring a higher dose to achieve the same effect.

In addiction, tolerance means the body adapts to the substance, needing more of it to get the desired 'high' or even just to feel 'normal.' It's a key sign of physical adaptation.

The story behind the word. The word 'tolerance' comes from the Latin tolerare, meaning 'to bear, endure, support.' This root perfectly captures the idea that the body 'bears' or 'endures' the presence of a substance, adapting to it over time. In the medical sense, it means the body can 'bear' more of the drug without showing the initial effects, requiring a higher dose to achieve the same impact.

Word relationships

desensitization: A reduction in sensitivity to a stimulus.
habituation: The diminishing of a physiological or emotional response to a frequently repeated stimulus.

sensitivity: The quality or condition of being sensitive.
intolerance: Inability to endure or be subjected to something.

Commonly confused with

resistance: 'Resistance' often implies an inability of a pathogen to be affected by a drug (e.g., antibiotic resistance), whereas 'tolerance' refers to the body's adaptation to a drug's effects.

Word family

tolerate (verb): To allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference.
tolerant (adjective): Showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.

Collocations

drug tolerance
alcohol tolerance
develop tolerance
high tolerance
low tolerance

Example sentences

"Over time, individuals who regularly use opioids develop a tolerance, needing increasingly larger doses to achieve pain relief or euphoria." Explaining drug effects.
"The community showed great tolerance for diverse cultural practices." Discussing societal attitudes.

Memory hook

TOLERANCE means your body can 'TOLERATE' more and more of a substance. TOLERATE more

When not to use

Avoid using 'tolerance' to mean 'acceptance' or 'patience' if the medical context is intended. These are different meanings of the same word.

Fun facts

Cross-tolerance can occur, where tolerance to one drug can lead to tolerance to another, often related, drug.
Tolerance is a normal physiological adaptation and doesn't always indicate addiction, but it is a common feature of substance use disorders.