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euphoria

noun
eu·​pho·​ria | \ yü-ˈfȯr-ē-ə How to pronounce euphoria (audio) \

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

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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

 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 The album sounds like summer, capturing both the euphoria of staying out all night with no consequences and the subsequent malaise of sunset on the Sunday before vacation ends. — Krystal Rodriguez, Billboard, "Hayden James Is Getting His Moment in the Sun With New Album: Interview," 18 June 2019 There was a euphoria in the air and everyone was hopeful that some positive political change would happen. — Helen Raleigh, National Review, "Thirty Years after Tiananmen, China Is Still Unwilling to Tell the Truth," 4 June 2019 Peru returns to a World Cup for the first time in 36 years, after defeating New Zealand in their qualifying playoffs, unleashing the euphoria of its supporters. — José Luis Sánchez Pando, chicagotribune.com, "2018 World Cup Group C preview: the French are the clear favorites," 24 May 2018

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.

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First Known Use of euphoria

circa 1751, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for euphoria

New Latin, from Greek, from euphoros healthy, from eu- + pherein to bear — more at bear

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More Definitions for euphoria

euphoria

noun
How to pronounce euphoria (audio)

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- How to pronounce euphoria (audio) \

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-​ How to pronounce euphoric (audio) \ adjective
euphorically \ -​i-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce euphorically (audio) \ adverb

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