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

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Other Words from euphoria

euphoric \ yü-ˈfȯr-ik ,

-ˈfär- \ adjective

euphorically \ yü-ˈfȯr-i-k(ə-)lē ,

-ˈfär- \ adverb

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

K-pop group Momoland captures the euphoria of going to an amusement park as a kid. — Devon Abelman, Allure, "K-Pop Group Momoland Shares the Weirdest Parts of Their Beauty Routines," 24 Aug. 2018 However, this year’s IPO rush doesn’t yet match the euphoria of 2014, when 84 companies went public and raised a combined $7.8 billion. — Charley Grant, WSJ, "Biotech IPO Boom Comes With Side Effects," 18 July 2018 Like the fans, and the players, managers and technical directors can be swept up in the excitement and the euphoria of a World Cup. — Rory Smith, New York Times, "When the World’s Greatest Soccer Players Gather, Scouts Stay Away," 5 July 2018 Witnessing the euphoria of a young person celebrating a life-altering experience in an instant is something that stays with you. — Joseph Goodman, AL.com, "NFL Draft 2018: The last moments of a different life," 27 Apr. 2018 But considering the euphoria of playing in the Big Dance and how critical matchups are for advancing to the second weekend, well, the cast of decision-makers isn't getting off the hook that easy. — Scott Gleeson And Shelby Mast, USA TODAY, "NCAA tournament 2018 underseeded and overseeded teams: 5 pairings the committee got wrong," 11 Mar. 2018 For Fun Dosist Pen in Passion, $100, dosist.com Keep the couple's euphoria going with a pen meant to enhance sensuality. — Vogue, "Get Ahead of the Registry: 20 Gift Ideas for Your Newly Engaged Friend," 16 Nov. 2018 The small country of 4 million people has been gripped in euphoria since its team beat England to reach its first World Cup final, where Croatia lost 4-2 to France. — Jovana Gec, Fox News, "Tens of thousands give heroes' welcome to Croatia team," 16 July 2018 Quarterback euphoria is so strong around the league that even most of the bad teams feel this way. — Andrew Beaton, WSJ, "Sticking With Eli Manning Has Torpedoed the Giants—Again," 21 Oct. 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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Last Updated

7 Jan 2019

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Time Traveler for euphoria

The first known use of euphoria was circa 1751

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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

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