intoxicating

[in-tok-si-key-ting]

adjective

1. causing or capable of causing intoxication.

   intoxicating beverages.

2. exhilarating; exciting.

   an intoxicating idea.

intoxicating

/ ɪnˈtɒksɪˌkeɪtɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of an alcoholic drink) producing in a person a state ranging from euphoria to stupor, usually accompanied by loss of inhibitions and control; inebriating

2. stimulating, exciting, or producing great elation

Other Word Forms

• intoxicatingly adverb
• nonintoxicating adjective
• nonintoxicatingly adverb
• unintoxicating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intoxicating¹

First recorded in 1625–35; intoxicat(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The digital roar may be intoxicating, but agency lives in the small, steady gestures — the ones that don’t make headlines, but do make a difference.

From Salon

The glamorous fantasy of Hollywood is so intoxicating.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a long, sinuous riff, one so intoxicating that the audience in front of him can’t help but to two-step across the crowded dance floor.

From Los Angeles Times

In moments of crisis, that clarity is intoxicating.

From Salon

“Sam Chapman who? Could a budding romantic connection from these intoxicating nights at sea grow after they docked?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exciting 
• exhilarating 
• heady 
• stimulating