Definition of EUPHORIA

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

No blatant signs of euphoria existed after their 123-109 upset in Wednesday night’s Game 3. — Cam Inman, The Mercury News, "Raptors react with proper stoicism after taking advantage of depleted Warriors," 6 June 2019 While the marketing campaign for Euphoria, premiering June 16 after Big Little Lies, suggests a glitter-flecked mess of teenage euphoria is ahead, the reality of the series isn’t nearly so joyous. — Ariana Romero, refinery29.com, "Euphoria Review: The Night Is Dark & Full Of Terrors (& Teens)," 5 June 2019 Now, suddenly, much of the euphoria is evaporating. — Konrad Putzier, WSJ, "Amazon’s Pullout From Queens, N.Y., Stuns Real-Estate Industry," 14 Feb. 2019 GW Pharmaceuticals, based in the U.K., makes cannabidiol from a proprietary strain of cannabis designed to maximize a therapeutic component while minimizing components that produce euphoria or a high. — Peter Loftus, WSJ, "New Marijuana-Based Epilepsy Treatment to Cost $32,500 a Year," 8 Aug. 2018 As with any addiction, this process produces short-term euphoria, reflected in share prices, but long-term pathology, reflected in income inequality, poverty and social unrest. — Michael Hiltzik, latimes.com, "Employers will do almost anything to find workers to fill jobs — except pay them more," 10 July 2018 Nonetheless, a feeling of euphoria swept over the White House staff Sunday as aides celebrated the end of the Mueller investigation, according to a senior White House official. — Josh Dawsey, The Seattle Times, "‘No collusion!’ goes from deﬁant mantra to re-election rallying cry for Trump," 24 Mar. 2019 Everyone was thrilled to do things for her; there was such a feeling of euphoria that here was this young, glamorous girl who loved clothes. — Sarah Mower, Vogue, "Remembering Anna Harvey, the Vogue Editor Who Dressed Princess Diana and Translated the Magazine’s Style Across the World," 15 Oct. 2018 She and her husband could split the $10 bag and feel the same euphoria as with two $25 pills. — Hayley Krischer, Marie Claire, "How Heroin Came for Middle-Class Moms," 20 Aug. 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.