euphoria

noun

eu·​pho·​ria yü-ˈfȯr-ē-ə 

: a feeling of well-being or elation

Apparently, it is the change in mood—the feeling of euphoria and reduced anxiety—that prompts people to start using this dangerous drug.

—Rita L. Atkinson et al.

They had almost a week to recover from the euphoria of Tuesday's series-winning victory …

—Clifton Brown

compare dysphoria

Did you know?

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 euphoria was a medical term. Its entry in an early 18th-century dictionary explains it as "the well-bearing of the Operation of a Medicine; that is, when the Sick Person 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 and psychology, euphoria can describe abnormal or inappropriate feelings such as those caused by an illicit drug or an illness.

Synonyms

• cloud nine
• ecstasy
• elatedness
• elation
• exhilaration
• heaven
• high
• intoxication
• paradise
• rapture
• rhapsody
• seventh heaven
• swoon
• transport

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

There’s some really dark and deep moments, but there’s also euphoria. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Aug. 2024

Drinking in a social setting triggers the release of dopamine, causing a euphoria that isn’t seen when drinking alone, according to a new study. —New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2024

Cooling inflation data in recent months and hopes the Fed will soon cut rates have sparked more euphoria, though stocks have tumbled in recent sessions. —Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 27 July 2024

Normally, a vice president is selected; there is some sense of euphoria about that; the party is happy about that. —Washington Post Live, Washington Post, 26 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1665, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

euphoria

noun

eu·​pho·​ria yu̇-ˈfōr-ē-ə 

-ˈfȯr-

: a strong feeling of happiness

euphoric

-ˈfȯr-ik 

-ˈfär-

adjective

Medical Definition

euphoria

noun

eu·​pho·​ria yu̇-ˈfōr-ē-ə, -ˈfȯr- 

1

: a state of feeling intense happiness, excitement, or sense of well-being

Although our understanding of the euphoria or "high" produced by cocaine in humans is limited, animal studies indicate that mesolimbic dopamine neurotransmission and the limbic system play major roles in cocaine-induced reinforcement.

—George Bartzokis et al., Neuropsychopharmacology

compare dysphoria sense 1

2

: gender euphoria

In general, participants described their euphoria as increasing over time, as they were able to transition, access gender-affirming medical care, and express their gender in the ways that they wanted.

—Kai Jacobsen and Aaron Devor, Bulletin of Applied Transgender Studies