ecstasy

[ ek-stuh-see ]

noun

, plural ec·sta·sies.

1. rapturous delight.
2. an overpowering emotion or exaltation; a state of sudden, intense feeling.

   Synonyms: elation, bliss, delight

3. the frenzy of poetic inspiration.
4. mental transport or rapture from the contemplation of divine things.
5. (often initial capital letter) Slang. MDMA ( def ).

ecstasy

/ ˈɛkstəsɪ /

noun

1. often plural a state of exalted delight, joy, etc; rapture
2. intense emotion of any kind

   an ecstasy of rage

3. psychol overpowering emotion characterized by loss of self-control and sometimes a temporary loss of consciousness: often associated with orgasm, religious mysticism, and the use of certain drugs
4. archaic.
   a state of prophetic inspiration, esp of poetic rapture
5. slang.
   3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine; MDMA: a powerful drug that acts as a stimulant and can produce hallucinations

Word History and Origins

Origin of ecstasy¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English extasie, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin extasis, from Greek ékstasis “displacement, trance,” equivalent to ek- ec- + stásis stasis

Word History and Origins

Origin of ecstasy¹

C14: from Old French extasie, via Medieval Latin from Greek ekstasis displacement, trance, from existanai to displace, from ex- out + histanai to cause to stand

Synonym Study

Ecstasy, rapture, transport, exaltation share a sense of being taken or moved out of one's self or one's normal state, and entering a state of intensified or heightened feeling. Ecstasy suggests an intensification of emotion so powerful as to produce a trancelike dissociation from all but the single overpowering feeling: an ecstasy of rage, grief, love. Rapture shares the power of ecstasy but most often refers to an elevated sensation of bliss or delight, either carnal or spiritual: the rapture of first love. Transport, somewhat less extreme than either ecstasy or rapture, implies a strength of feeling that results in expression of some kind: They jumped up and down in a transport of delight. Exaltation refers to a heady sense of personal well-being so powerful that one is lifted above normal emotional levels and above normal people: wild exaltation at having finally broken the record.

Example Sentences

“Hot in Herre” rapper Nelly is no longer feeling the heat from Missouri prosecutors three months after he was arrested on suspicion of possession of ecstasy.

From Los Angeles Times

Gary Lineker, who will leave Match of the Day at the end of this season, BBC News understands, has been the steady hand who guided millions of fans through football's agonies and ecstasies.

From BBC

Wales head coach Gatland had indicated he hoped for ecstasy rather than agony this weekend but that was not to be the case and his position will come under scrutiny.

From BBC

Now Sandra and the mother of a schoolboy from London who died after taking ecstasy have come together to call for more drug education in Northern Ireland's schools.

From BBC

Two young men have been given custodial sentences for supplying ecstasy to a group of teenagers, including a 16-year-old schoolgirl who died after collapsing in a nightclub.

From BBC

Related Words

• elation
• euphoria
• happiness
• joy
• rapture