What does intoxicating mean?
Intoxicating describes a substance, sensation, experience, or quality that produces a powerful feeling of euphoria, captivation, or loss of control. Its literal sense refers to alcohol or another substance that impairs judgment or coordination, while its figurative sense is often complimentary, as in an intoxicating performance, aroma, or atmosphere. The figurative use suggests that something is so compelling that it makes the viewer or listener feel spellbound. In conversation, the word is more expressive and literary than simply “exhilarating” or “captivating,” and it can carry a slightly romantic or sensual tone. As a present participle, intoxicating also means “causing intoxication,” and the related forms intoxicated and intoxication cover the condition and the process respectively.
Causing intoxication; making a person drunk or otherwise impaired. Figuratively, intensely exciting or captivating.
"The intoxicating fragrance of the night-blooming jasmine drifted through the windows."
The figurative use is often used of beauty, music, atmosphere, and experiences that hold attention completely.
The present participle of intoxicate: causing someone to feel drunk, euphoric, or intensely captivated.
"The color of the sunset was intoxicating the passengers on the upper deck."
In this form, it is normally used in progressive or participial constructions rather than as a standalone finite verb.
Intoxicating can mean making you drunk—or simply making you forget everything except the moment in front of you.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intoxicating come from?
The word derives from the Latin intoxicare, meaning “to poison” and originally referring to the harmful effects of poison. It was formed from the prefix in-, meaning “into,” and toxicum, a Latinized form of Greek toxikon, meaning “poison.” Over time, the sense broadened from poisoning to the effects of alcohol, and modern usage extended it figuratively to describe experiences that overwhelm ordinary awareness or judgment.
Related word forms
How intoxicating is actually used
The word is commonly figurative when describing music, beauty, excitement, or emotional experiences. As a verb form, “intoxicating” is the present participle of “intoxicate.”
Easily confused with intoxicating
Intoxicating describes something that causes intoxication or exhilaration, whereas intoxicated describes a person or condition already affected by it.