pro-alcohol
|pro-al-co-hol|
🇺🇸
/proʊ-ˈælkəhɔl/
🇬🇧
/prəʊ-ˈælkəhɒl/
for alcohol / in favor of alcohol
Etymology
'pro-alcohol' is formed from the prefix 'pro-' (from Latin 'pro', meaning 'for' or 'in favor of') combined with 'alcohol' (from Arabic 'al-kuḥl').
'alcohol' entered English via Medieval Latin 'alcohol' from Arabic 'al-kuḥl' (originally referring to a fine powder used as an eyeliner and later to distilled substances); 'pro-' is a Latin prefix meaning 'for'. The compound 'pro-alcohol' is a modern English formation combining these elements to mean 'in favor of alcohol'.
Originally 'alcohol' referred to a powdered cosmetic and later to distilled spirit; 'pro-' has long meant 'for'. The combined modern meaning developed to denote support for alcohol or the alcohol industry rather than the older senses of 'alcohol' itself.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person or group that supports alcohol consumption or the alcohol industry; an advocate for alcohol.
Local pro-alcohols argued that pubs were vital for the town's economy.
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Adjective 1
favoring or supportive of alcohol consumption or the alcohol industry.
The committee adopted a pro-alcohol stance when it opposed stricter licensing laws.
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Last updated: 2025/10/14 20:56