nympholepsy

[ nim-fuh-lep-see ]

noun

, plural nym·pho·lep·sies.

1. an ecstasy supposed by the ancients to be inspired by nymphs.
2. a frenzy of emotion, as for something unattainable.

nympholepsy

/ ˈnɪmfəˌlɛpsɪ /

noun

1. a state of violent emotion, esp when associated with a desire for something one cannot have

Derived Forms

• ˌnymphoˈleptic, adjective

Other Words From

• nym·pho·lep·tic [nim-f, uh, -, lep, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nympholepsy¹

1765–75; formed on nympholept, on the model of epilepsy

Word History and Origins

Origin of nympholepsy¹

C18: from nympholept , on the model of epilepsy

Example Sentences

Through solitude this passion may be exalted into a frenzy like a nympholepsy.

From Project Gutenberg

But he was busy with his new story, in the throes of nympholepsy, seeing visions, hearing voices.

From Project Gutenberg

When the show was over he abandoned Miss Clampett on her door-step and went to his own boarding-house in a nympholepsy.

From Project Gutenberg

Nympholepsy is no more a Greek word than epilepsy, and nobody would or could object to epilepsy or apoplexy as a Greek word.

From Project Gutenberg

It shows the sensitiveness of the hierarchy that this harmless nympholepsy was deemed worthy of severe repression.

From Project Gutenberg