rapture

¹rap·ture

noun \ˈrap-chər\

Definition of RAPTURE

1

: an expression or manifestation of ecstasy or passion

2

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

3

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

Examples of RAPTURE

1. We listened with rapture as the orchestra played.
2. He listened to the wind in the trees, his eyes closed in rapture.

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

Related Words

exaltation; blessedness, bliss, blissfulness, delight, enchantment, felicity, gladness, happiness, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, pleasure; reverie, trance; inspiration; fervor, frenzy, madness, passion; cheer, cheerfulness, exuberance, gaiety (also gayety), glee, gleefulness, jubilance, jubilation, lightheartedness

Near Antonyms

misery, sadness, unhappiness, woe, wretchedness; blues, dejection, desolation, despair, despondency, disconsolateness, disheartenment, dispiritedness, doldrums, downheartedness, dreariness, dumps, forlornness, gloom, gloominess, heartsickness, melancholy, mopes

See Synonym Discussion at ecstasy

²rapture

transitive verb

rap·turedrap·tur·ing

Definition of RAPTURE

: enrapture

Examples of RAPTURE

1. <nature lovers will be raptured by the documentary's breathtaking cinematography>

First Known Use of RAPTURE

1637

Related to RAPTURE

Synonyms

carry away, enrapture, enthrall (or enthral), rap, entrance, ravish, transport

Related Words

delight, gladden, gratify, please, satisfy; bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, fascinate; elate, excite, exhilarate, stir