Intoxicating: meaning, definitions and examples

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intoxicating

 

[ ษชnหˆtษ’ksษชkeษชtษชล‹ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing a smell or taste

Having the quality of being very exciting or attractive, especially in a way that makes someone unable to think clearly. Something that is intoxicating has a strong effect on your emotions or senses.

Synonyms

alluring, captivating, enchanting, irresistible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intoxicating

Best used to describe something that causes a strong sense of pleasure or excitement, making one feel almost dizzy or overwhelmed. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative or dangerous connotation when overindulged.

  • The wine had an intoxicating aroma that filled the entire room
  • Her beauty was intoxicating, leaving everyone in awe
enchanting

Ideal for describing something that is charming and delightful in a magical way. It often evokes fairy-tale-like imagery.

  • The garden was enchanting, with its twinkling lights and fragrant flowers
  • Her lullaby was so enchanting that it put the baby to sleep instantly
captivating

This is appropriate when you want to highlight something that captures and holds someone's attention fully because it is so interesting or attractive.

  • The storyteller had a captivating voice that made everyone listen in rapt attention
  • The painting was so captivating that visitors couldn't look away
alluring

Perfect for situations where something or someone is powerfully attractive or fascinating. Often used to describe beauty or charm that tempts or draws people in.

  • The actress had an alluring smile that captivated the audience
  • The mysterious forest was alluring, beckoning us to explore its depths
irresistible

Use this when referring to something so attractive or tempting that one cannot resist it. It can be related to things, people, or even food.

  • The chocolate cake was simply irresistible; I had to have a slice
  • His proposal was irresistible, offering everything she ever wanted

Examples of usage

  • The intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread filled the room.
  • The beauty of the sunset was truly intoxicating.
  • Her laughter had an intoxicating effect on everyone around her.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing a substance

Containing alcohol or drugs in a quantity that is enough to make you drunk or high.

Synonyms

alcoholic, mind-altering, narcotic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intoxicating

Used to describe something that causes excitement or overwhelming feelings, often related to substances but can also pertain to experiences or feelings.

  • The beauty of the sunset was intoxicating.
  • The party atmosphere was intoxicating.
alcoholic

Refers to drinks containing alcohol or a person addicted to alcohol. Can also be used negatively when describing a person.

  • She served an alcoholic beverage.
  • He is struggling with alcoholic tendencies.

Examples of usage

  • She drank several glasses of the intoxicating cocktail.

Translations

Translations of the word "intoxicating" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น intoxicante

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคพเคฆเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช berauschend

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ memabukkan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัƒะฟะพฬัŽั‡ะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ odurzajฤ…cy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้…”ใ‚ใ›ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท enivrant

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ embriagador

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sarhoลŸ edici

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ทจํ•˜๊ฒŒ ํ•˜๋Š”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุณูƒุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ omamnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ opojnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไปคไบบ้™ถ้†‰็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ opojen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รถrvandi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตัั–ั€ ะตั‚ะตั‚ั–ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒ—แƒ แƒแƒ‘แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sษ™rxoลŸedici

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ embriagador

Etymology

The word 'intoxicating' originates from the Latin word 'intoxicatus', which means 'to poison'. Over time, the term evolved to describe the effect of alcohol or drugs on the mind and body, as well as the captivating allure of certain scents or tastes. The adjective 'intoxicating' has been used in English since the 17th century to convey the powerful and irresistible nature of something that overwhelms the senses.

See also: intoxicant, intoxicated, intoxication.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,622, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.