It is semantically opposite to dysphoria.Ī 1706 English dictionary defines euphoria as 'the well bearing of the Operation of a Medicine, i.e., when the patient finds himself eas'd or reliev'd by it'. The word 'euphoria' is derived from the Ancient Greek terms εὐφορία: εὖ eu meaning 'well' and φέρω pherō meaning 'to bear'. Therefore, the simultaneous activation of every hedonic hotspot within the reward system is believed to be necessary for generating the sensation of an intense euphoria. Inhibition of one hotspot results in the blunting of the effects of activating another hotspot. Activation of one hotspot results in the recruitment of the others. Hedonic hotspots – i.e., the pleasure centers of the brain – are functionally linked. Certain drugs, many of which are addictive, can cause euphoria, which at least partially motivates their recreational use. Romantic love and components of the human sexual response cycle are also associated with the induction of euphoria.

Euphoria is also a symptom of certain neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders, such as mania.

Certain natural rewards and social activities, such as aerobic exercise, laughter, listening to or making music and dancing, can induce a state of euphoria. Euphoria ( / juː ˈ f ɔːr i ə/ i yoo- FOR-ee-ə) is the experience (or affect) of pleasure or excitement and intense feelings of well-being and happiness.

Sexual euphoria meaning