ecstasy

noun ec·sta·sy \ ˈek-stə-sē \

|Updated on: 21 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: ecstasy in a Sentence

Definition of ecstasy

plural ecstasies

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

See ecstasy defined for English-language learners

See ecstasy defined for kids

Examples of ecstasy in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of ecstasy from the Web

Regarding high-risk substance use, the percentage of high school students who reported ever using certain illicit drugs -- cocaine, inhalants, heroin, meth, hallucinogens or ecstasy -- fell from 22.6% in 2007 to 14% in 2017.

— jacqueline howard, CNN, "Fewer teens having sex and using drugs, CDC survey finds," 14 June 2018
Police found cocaine, heroin and ecstasy in the cup holder of the center console, and marijuana on the front driver's seat.

— heather nolan, NOLA.com, "9 charged in racketeering indictment stemming from D-Block drug ring investigation," 15 May 2018
Police found ecstasy in her bra and heroin in the car.

— matthew martinez, kansascity, "She was busted with ecstasy and heroin – but the cavity search turned up a loaded gun | The Kansas City Star," 28 Apr. 2018
Nylund, who is also still finding her way into this daunting role, sang honorably and at her best moments, registered her character’s impatient ecstasies with bright vocal radiance.

— jeremy eichler, BostonGlobe.com, "The BSO offers Wagner’s ‘shivery and sweet infinity’," 6 Apr. 2018
That works best here in several smaller close-ups of women’s faces in ecstasy or anguish, with skin of European or African tones, but also of blue or chartreuse.

— New York Times, "What to See in New York Art Galleries This Week," 10 May 2018
The case dated back to 2007, when a man, Gregory Diaz, in Ventura County, California, was observed by sheriff's deputies as buying ecstasy from a police informant who was wearing a wire.

— cyrus farivar, Ars Technica, "How a suspected gang member’s traffic stop led to a crucial privacy case," 8 May 2018
However, a few months later, Rossi claims that Mitchell pressured her to take ecstasy.

— sam reed, The Hollywood Reporter, "Paul Mitchell Co-Owner Accused of Sexual Misconduct," 5 Feb. 2018
Thomas also sampled other drugs including marijuana and ecstasy, according to the report.

— karen mizoguchi, PEOPLE.com, "From Federal Prison to Southern Charm: Thomas Ravenel's Ups and Downs," 3 May 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.

Origin and Etymology of ecstasy

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

ecstasy Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

Other Occult Terms

augury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith

ECSTASY Defined for English Language Learners

ecstasy

noun

Definition of ecstasy for English Language Learners

: a state of very great happiness : extreme delight
: an illegal drug that is used to produce a feeling of excitement and pleasure

ECSTASY Defined for Kids

ecstasy

noun ec·sta·sy \ ˈek-stə-sē \

Definition of ecstasy for Students

plural ecstasies

: very great happiness or delight

Medical Dictionary

ecstasy

noun ec·sta·sy \ ˈek-stə-sē \

medical Definition of ecstasy

plural ecstasies

1 : a trance state in which intense absorption (as in religious ideation) is accompanied by loss of sense perception and voluntary control

2 often capitalized : a synthetic amphetamine analog C₁₁H₁₅NO₂ used illicitly for its mood-enhancing and hallucinogenic properties — called also MDMA, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, XTC

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