-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
nitrogen narcosis
noun
: a state of euphoria and confusion similar to that of alcohol intoxication which occurs when nitrogen in normal air enters the bloodstream at increased pressure (as in deep-water diving)
called also rapture of the deep
Examples of nitrogen narcosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Today, nitrogen narcosis is known to be an immutable effect of breathing air under pressure.
—Rachel Lance, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
Unmoored by the devastating emptiness in their household, Merel and the kids carry on, but they’re each siloed off in pain and confusion, suspended in a kind of stupor, as suggested by the movie’s title, which also alludes to the intoxicating effects of nitrogen narcosis in deep-sea diving.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Oct. 2022
Even experts risk equipment failures, insufficient decompression, and the dangerous confusion induced by nitrogen narcosis.
—Nick Romeo, National Geographic, 11 July 2016
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1937, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of nitrogen narcosis was
in 1937
Dictionary Entries Near nitrogen narcosis
Cite this Entry
“Nitrogen narcosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen%20narcosis. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
nitrogen narcosis
noun
: a state of euphoria and confusion similar to that of alcohol intoxication which occurs when nitrogen in normal air enters the bloodstream at increased partial pressure (as in deepwater diving)
divers typically begin to experience the effects of nitrogen narcosis at depths of 100 feet
called also rapture of the deep
More from Merriam-Webster on nitrogen narcosis
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nitrogen narcosis
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share