euphoria

noun

eu·pho·ria | \ yü-ˈfȯr-ē-ə

Definition of euphoria

: a feeling of well-being or elation

Other Words from euphoria Synonyms & Antonyms Euphoria Has Greek Roots Example Sentences Learn More about euphoria

Keep scrolling for more

Euphoria Has Greek Roots

Health and happiness are often linked, sometimes even in etymologies. Nowadays "euphoria" generally refers to happiness, but it derives from "euphoros," a Greek word that means "healthy." Given that root, it's not surprising that in its original English uses, it was a medical term. A 1706 quotation shows how doctors used it then: "'Euphoria,' the well bearing of the Operation of a Medicine, i.e. when the Patient finds himself eas'd or reliev'd by it." Modern physicians still use the term, but they aren't likely to prescribe something that will cause it. In contemporary medicine, "euphoria" describes abnormal or inappropriate feelings such as those caused by an illegal drug or an illness.

Examples of euphoria in a Sentence

The initial euphoria following their victory in the election has now subsided. The drug produces intense feelings of euphoria.

Recent Examples on the Web

Confessing to burning down a forest one hot summer day, an old classmate speaks of his euphoria. — Tim Parks, Harper's magazine, "Murder Italian Style," 19 Aug. 2019 The euphoria that greeted Abiy’s rise to power just over a year ago seems a distant memory. — The Economist, "Killings and claims of an attempted putsch rock Ethiopia," 27 June 2019 Some of Bitcoin’s biggest backers even warned the euphoria had gotten out of hand. — Fortune, "Bitcoin Newbies Are Getting Crushed," 3 Feb. 2018 If happiness is organic and long-lasting, euphoria is chemical and fleeting. — Judy Berman, Time, "In HBO’s Bleak Gen Z Drama, Euphoria Is the Opposite of Happiness," 13 June 2019 It's also added to heroin, meth and cocaine to give users a more powerful euphoria. — Terry Demio, Cincinnati.com, "OD alert issued after 23 overdose calls, 12 hospitalized in 24 hours," 1 Apr. 2019 The euphoria that accompanied the interim peace accords of the mid-1990s was short-lived. — Fox News, "Correction: Israel at 70 story," 20 Apr. 2018 The euphoria that accompanied the interim peace accords of the mid-1990s was short-lived. — Washington Post, "Israel at 70: Satisfaction and grim disquiet share the stage," 19 Apr. 2018 Both drugs make users intensely alert by flooding them with a sense of euphoria. — Fox News, "Nazi soldiers used performance-enhancing 'super-drug' in World War II, shocking documentary reveals," 25 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'euphoria.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for euphoria

euphoria

noun

English Language Learners Definition of euphoria

: a feeling of great happiness and excitement

See the full definition for euphoria in the English Language Learners Dictionary

euphoria

noun

eu·pho·ria | \ yu̇-ˈfōr-ē-ə, -ˈfȯr-

Medical Definition of euphoria

: a feeling of well-being or elation especially : one that is groundless, disproportionate to its cause, or inappropriate to one's life situation — compare dysphoria

Other Words from euphoria

euphoric \ -ˈfȯr-ik, -ˈfär-

\ adjective

euphorically \ -i-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

Keep scrolling for more

euphoria

Definition of euphoria

Synonyms & Antonyms for euphoria

Euphoria Has Greek Roots

Examples of euphoria in a Sentence

First Known Use of euphoria

History and Etymology for euphoria

English Language Learners Definition of euphoria

Medical Definition of euphoria

euphoria

Definition of euphoria

Synonyms & Antonyms for euphoria

Euphoria Has Greek Roots

Examples of euphoria in a Sentence

First Known Use of euphoria

History and Etymology for euphoria

English Language Learners Definition of euphoria

Medical Definition of euphoria

WORD OF THE DAY