(especially of a boxer) having cerebral concussion caused by repeated blows to the head and consequently exhibiting unsteadiness of gait, hand tremors, slow muscular movement, hesitant speech, and dulled mentality.
2.
Informal. befuddled; dazed.
Origin
1915-20, Americanism
British Dictionary definitions for punch-drunk
punch-drunk
adjective
1.
demonstrating or characteristic of the behaviour of a person who has suffered repeated blows to the head, esp a professional boxer
2.
dazed; stupefied
punch-drunk in Medicine
punch-drunk (pŭnch'drŭngk') adj. Showing signs of brain damage caused by repeated blows to the head. Used especially of a boxer.
Slang definitions & phrases for punch-drunk
punch-drunk
adjective
Exhibiting brain damage from repeated blows to the head; slow in movement, slurring in speech, disoriented and shambling; punchy, slap-happy
Dazed from overwork, excessive stress, etc: He was punch-drunk after the annual meeting(1915+)