ecstasy

noun ec·sta·sy \ˈek-stə-sē\

: a state of very great happiness : extreme delight

: an illegal drug that is used to produce a feeling of excitement and pleasure

plural ec·sta·sies

Full Definition of ECSTASY

a : a state of being beyond reason and self-control

b archaic : swoon

: a state of overwhelming emotion; especially : rapturous delight

: trance; especially : a mystic or prophetic trance

often capitalized : a synthetic amphetamine analog C₁₁H₁₅NO₂ used illicitly for its mood-enhancing and hallucinogenic properties —called also MDMA

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Origin of ECSTASY

Middle English extasie, from Middle French, from Late Latin ecstasis, from Greek ekstasis, from existanai to derange, from ex- out + histanai to cause to stand — more at ex-, stand

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ECSTASY

Synonyms: cloud nine, elatedness, elation, euphoria, exhilaration, heaven, high, intoxication, paradise, rapture, rhapsody, seventh heaven, swoon, transport

Antonyms: depression

Synonym Discussion of ECSTASY

ecstasy, rapture, transport mean intense exaltation of mind and feelings. ecstasy and rapture both suggest a state of trance or near immobility produced by an overpowering emotion. ecstasy may apply to any strong emotion (as joy, fear, rage, adoration) <religious ecstasy>. rapture usually implies intense bliss or beatitude <in speechless rapture>. transport applies to any powerful emotion that lifts one out of oneself and usually provokes vehement expression or frenzied action <in a transport of rage>.

Other Occult Terms

augury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith

ECSTASY Defined for Kids

ecstasy

noun ec·sta·sy \ˈek-stə-sē\

plural ec·sta·sies

Definition of ECSTASY for Kids

: very great happiness or delight

Medical Dictionary

ecstasy

noun ec·sta·sy \ˈek-stə-sē\

plural ec·sta·sies

Medical Definition of ECSTASY

: a trance state in which intense absorption (as in religious ideation) is accompanied by loss of sense perception and voluntary control

often capitalized : a synthetic amphetamine analog C₁₁H₁₅NO₂ used illicitly for its mood-enhancing and hallucinogenic properties—called also MDMA, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, XTC

—ec·stat·ic \ek-ˈstat-ik\ adjective

Learn More About ECSTASY

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "ecstasy"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "ecstasy"

Nglish: Translation of "ecstasy" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "ecstasy" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "ecstasy"

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