euphoric

adjective

eu·​phor·​ic yü-ˈfȯr-ik 

-ˈfär-

: marked by a feeling of great happiness and excitement : characterized by, based on, or producing euphoria

a euphoric mood

feeling euphoric

He knew he was going to win big, big, big, and he was euphoric about it.

—Russell Baker

All addictive drugs … work in the brain to produce feelings of well-being and elation. A drug's euphoric effects, which can last from a few minutes to a few hours, are what get a person to take the substance in the first place.

—Joseph Alper

euphorically

yü-ˈfȯr-i-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈfär-

adverb

euphorically happy

One minute they were euphorically celebrating victory. The next, they were dropping to their knees in total despair as they looked to the scoreboard and saw the harsh reality of an 18–13 loss.

—Kyle Riviere

Synonyms

• ecstatic
• elated
• elevated
• enrapt
• enraptured
• entranced
• exhilarated
• giddy
• heady
• intoxicated
• rapt
• rapturous
• rhapsodic
• rhapsodical

Examples of euphoric in a Sentence

the euphoric winner was momentarily speechless

Recent Examples on the Web

Currently, the standard of care is managing patients’ withdrawal symptoms with drugs such as methadone and buprenorphine, which are themselves opioids and still retain some euphoric effects and potential for abuse. —Richard A. Friedman, The Atlantic, 29 Nov. 2024

Over time, users may develop a tolerance, requiring larger amounts of nitrous oxide to achieve the same euphoric effect. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 25 Sep. 2024

Thank goodness, as Glinda sings in the fizzy musical, that critical reviews and word of mouth have been euphoric. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 24 Nov. 2024

A euphoric crowd of Gamecocks fans celebrated the University of South Carolina's 44-20 upset win over Texas A&M on Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium by rushing the field. —Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

euphoric

adjective

eu·​phor·​ic -ˈfȯr-ik, -ˈfär- 

1

: marked by or experiencing a feeling of intense happiness, excitement, or sense of well-being : characterized by, based on, or producing euphoria (see euphoria sense 1)

Some reports suggest that schizophrenia patients use alcohol to 'self-medicate' psychotic symptoms, subjective distress, insomnia, social anxiety, or medication side effects, whereas other studies suggest that subjects with schizophrenia use alcohol for its stimulatory or euphoric effects.

—Deepak C. D'Souza et al., Neuropsychopharmacology

compare dysphoric sense 1

2

: of, relating to, or characterized by gender euphoria

Euphoric experiences are noted to take place in contexts that are deemed safe spaces and free of expectations about ways genders are expressed.

—Trent Mann et al., Sexuality Research and Social Policy

euphorically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb