under the influence adjective 1adverb 1forms 2 adjective1 •Intoxicated or inebriated, in any degree from mildly impaired to stupefied, by a mind-altering substance, typically alcohol; thus, especially, drunk.He was arrested for driving while under the influence.He was fired for showing up when he was under the influence. adverb1 •While intoxicated or inebriated, in any degree from mildly impaired to stupefied, by a mind-altering substance, typically alcohol; thus, especially, drunk.He was arrested for driving under the influence.He was fired for showing up under the influence. formsmore under the influence · most under the influence