Euphoria (pronounced /juːˈfɔəriə/, from Ancient Greek εὖ, "well", and φέρειν. "to bear") is medically recognized as a mental and emotional state defined as a profound sense of well-being.[1] Technically, euphoria is an affect,[2] but the term is often colloquially used to define emotion as an intense state of transcendent happiness combined with an overwhelming sense of contentment. The word derives from Greek εὐφορία, "power of enduring easily, fertility".[3][4]

Euphoria is generally considered to be an exaggerated physical and psychological state, sometimes induced by the use of psychoactive drugs and not typically achieved during the normal course of human experience. However, some natural behaviors, such as activities resulting in orgasm or the triumph of an athlete, can induce brief states of euphoria.[2] Euphoria has also been cited during certain religious or spiritual rituals and meditation.[5]