Main Entry: ec·sta·sy

Pronunciation: \ˈek-stə-sē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ec·sta·sies

Etymology: 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

Date: 14th century

1 a : a state of being beyond reason and self-control b archaic : swoon
2 : a state of overwhelming emotion; especially : rapturous delight
3 : trance; especially : a mystic or prophetic trance
4 often capitalized : a synthetic amphetamine analog C₁₁H₁₅NO₂ used illicitly for its mood-enhancing and hallucinogenic properties —called also MDMA

synonyms 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>.