ecstasy

noun

ec·sta·sy | \ ˈek-stə-sē

plural ecstasies

Definition of ecstasy

1a : 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

Other Words from ecstasy Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about ecstasy

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Choose the Right Synonym for ecstasy

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 (such 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

Examples of ecstasy in a Sentence

His performance sent the audience into ecstasies. actors are typically in ecstasy upon winning an Oscar

Recent Examples on the Web

The tensions and paradoxes complicating Furtwängler’s devil’s pact, his surrender to communal ecstasies ennobling or perilous, are reduced to simplistic presumption. — Joseph Horowitz, WSJ, "‘Wilhelm Furtwängler’ Review: Apostle of Inwardness," 3 Aug. 2018 Cocaine and ecstasy pills also were seized in Wednesday’s raids. — Mike Corder, The Seattle Times, "Police arrest 84 in European crackdown on Italian mob," 5 Dec. 2018 Shortly after Full House ended in 1995, the young actress turned to alcohol, ecstasy, cocaine, and methamphetamine. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "'Fuller House' Star Jodie Sweetin Shuts Down Instagram Follower Who Mocked Her Sobriety," 4 Mar. 2019 Now, the study of drugs largely thought of as recreational is making a comeback, with scientists conducting clinical trials with MDMA, more commonly referred to as ecstasy, to gain approval for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). — Elly Belle, Teen Vogue, "People With Depression and Anxiety Could Benefit From Hallucinogens," 10 Aug. 2018 Joel Pignataro was arrested Sunday evening and faces an additional charge of possession of substances with intent to manufacture ecstasy, according to the Citizen. — Raisa Habersham, ajc, "Elementary school teacher, husband arrested on drug charges," 1 May 2018 Use of other illicit drugs — including cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy and hallucinogens — did not change substantially in the past year, according to the survey results. — Karen Kaplan, The Seattle Times, "Vaping among teens spikes, luring new generation of kids into tobacco use," 18 Dec. 2018 Not only have cannabis derivatives like hemp been effectively banned in the US since the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, other legislation has categorized marijuana products as dangerous Schedule I substances like LSD and ecstasy. — Angela Chen, The Verge, "Growing hemp is about to be legal for the first time in nearly a century," 30 Nov. 2018 Amma finally gets her wish to party with Camille, passing her first an Oxy and later a tablet of ecstasy, mouth to mouth, creating a fuzzy warm glow of sisterly intimacy. — Emma Dibdin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Sharp Objects Episode 6: Camille Is in Deep Trouble," 13 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ecstasy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for ecstasy

Middle English exstasie, extasy "elation," borrowed from Middle French extasie, "stupor, transported state," borrowed from Late Latin ecstasis, extasis "trance, swoon, profound sleep," borrowed from Greek ékstasis "displacement, mental distraction, astonishment, trance," from eksta-, stem of existánai "to displace, drive out of one's senses, confound," exístasthai "to be astonished, lose consciousness" (from ex- ex- entry 3 + histánai "to cause to stand, place," hístasthai "to be standing") + -sis -sis — more at stand entry 1