definition of the word cold_turkey

From the goose bumps that people get when they're cold turkey.

cold turkey (uncountable)

1. The sudden and complete withdrawal of a dependent substance, especially of a drug
2. The physiological effects of such a withdrawal

cold turkey

1. (idiomatic) Not gradually; all at once. Refers especially to quitting a habit by force of will rather than by a gradual reduction.

   It is difficult, but possible to quit smoking cold turkey.

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