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 stompers were a part of an elite excursion headed by the Sonoma County Winegrowers that brings “campers” willing to pay big bucks to experience the draining, and intoxicating, work of making wine.

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But this much is certain: I’ve learned that sobriety can be downright intoxicating.

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"The actor delivers an intoxicating mix of blood, sweat, tears, protein and total helplessness," wrote The Hollywood Reporter.

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The movie reveals itself to you, layer by layer, incident by incident, in a way that becomes downright intoxicating.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ripe pineapple and candy-sweet mangoes adorned store shelves, their aroma intoxicating.

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Related Words

• exciting 
• exhilarating 
• heady 
• stimulating