¹rapture

noun rap·ture \ˈrap-chər\

: a state or feeling of great happiness, pleasure, or love

Full Definition of RAPTURE

: an expression or manifestation of ecstasy or passion

a : a state or experience of being carried away by overwhelming emotion

b : a mystical experience in which the spirit is exalted to a knowledge of divine things

often capitalized : the final assumption of Christians into heaven during the end-time according to Christian theology

— rap·tur·ous \ˈrap-chə-rəs, ˈrap-shrəs\ adjective

— rap·tur·ous·ly adverb

— rap·tur·ous·ness noun

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Origin of RAPTURE

Latin raptus

First Known Use: 1594

Related to RAPTURE

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

Antonyms: depression

Synonym Discussion of RAPTURE

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>.