elation

noun

ela·​tion i-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce elation (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being elated
2
: pathological euphoria

Examples of elation in a Sentence

most people can't imagine the kind of elation that comes with winning a super lottery's grand prize, but they're dying to find out
Recent Examples on the Web But the elation on the USC bench for two baskets that had no impact on the result of the game showed that USC’s true strength is its connection as a team. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2024 In that moment, my frustration and exhaustion were immediately replaced by elation. Joshua Mezrich, STAT, 2 Mar. 2024 But when Stone’s name was called, Lawrence jumped up screaming and clapping in elation, in a delightful clip that quickly spread across social media. Patrick Ryan, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 Plus, on-field success isn’t measured in 0.37-point increments, but rather in memorable plays that etch themselves into lore — whether in elation or anguish. Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2024 The Nikkei's new record was welcomed with applause in some of Tokyo's brokerages, but not the sort of elation that prevailed in 1989. Elaine Kurtenbach, Quartz, 22 Feb. 2024 Puerto Rican pride became part of the elation after the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl win. Emi Tuyetnhi Tran, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024 There are four basic types of the disorder, which are characterized by periods of elation and hyper-activity known as manic episodes, which are then followed by depressive stages where the patient experiences feelings of sadness and depression. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 11 Feb. 2024 For some Poles, the elation of last fall’s election is already giving way to frustration and doubt about whether the change of government can succeed in washing away — or at least diluting — a decade of right-wing policies. Gerrit De Vynck, Washington Post, 27 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near elation

Cite this Entry

“Elation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elation. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

elation

noun
ela·​tion i-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce elation (audio)
: the quality or state of being elated

Medical Definition

elation

noun
ela·​tion i-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce elation (audio)
: pathological euphoria sometimes accompanied by intense pleasure
elated adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on elation

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