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

While on equally hypnotic tracks like “Cheap Hotel” and “Sushi,” she commands the heavily-layered soundscape with an intoxicating sense of recklessness.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

American Distilled Spirits Alliance, Wine America and Wine Institute—urged lawmakers to keep the ban and close what they called the “intoxicating hemp” loophole.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The directors paint an enchanting vision of the only time in life when everything is intoxicatingly new.

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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.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• exciting 
• exhilarating 
• heady 
• stimulating