nympholepsy

noun nym·pho·lep·sy \ˈnim(p)-fə-ˌlep-sē\

Definition of NYMPHOLEPSY

: a demonic enthusiasm held by the ancients to seize one bewitched by a nymph

: a frenzy of emotion

— nym·pho·lept \-ˌlept\ noun

— nym·pho·lep·tic \ˌnim(p)-fə-ˈlep-tik\ adjective

nympholept, from Greek nympholēptos frenzied, literally, caught by nymphs, from nymphē + lambanein to seize — more at latch

First Known Use: 1775

Medical Dictionary

noun nym·pho·lep·sy \ˈnim(p)-fə-ˌlep-sē\

plural nym·pho·lep·sies

: a frenzy of erotic emotion

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