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

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

Another Italian celebration, another example of pure ecstasy. — SI.com, "7 of the Best Celebrations in World Cup History," 31 May 2018 After Saturday's performance by the Cleveland Orchestra, the last in a three-part exploration of ecstasy in music, listeners were nowhere (besides Severance Hall) if not in a state of transcendence. — Zachary Lewis, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Orchestra, guests conclude 'Ecstasy' series with stunning 'Divine' program (review)," 30 Apr. 2018 Gonen Segev, a physician who served as energy and infrastructure minister from 1992 to 1995, previously was jailed in 2005 for trying to smuggle more than 30,000 ecstasy tablets into Israel from the Netherlands and forging a diplomatic passport. — Yonat Friling, Fox News, "Former Israeli lawmaker accused of spying for Iran, passing along sensitive information," 18 June 2018 The crucial photo showed a man’s hand holding an array of ecstasy tablets, and was found in a review of the contents of a phone seized in an arrest in the town of Brigend. — David Z. Morris, Fortune, "A Fingerprint Pulled from a WhatsApp Image Leads to Multiple Drug Convictions in the U.K.," 15 Apr. 2018 The semifinals of the 2018 World Cup ended with England and Belgium in tears, France and Croatia in ecstasy, and with broadcasters across Europe enjoying record ratings. — Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, "World Cup Semifinals Score Ratings Records in Europe," 12 July 2018 Similar decreases were seen in students who reported using marijuana or taking illicit drugs, such as cocaine and ecstasy. — Linley Sanders, Teen Vogue, "The CDC's Survey Results for Teen Sex, Drug Use, and Suicidal Ideation," 19 June 2018 During the stop, said Chief Deputy Randy Christian, the deputy found ecstasy tablets and marijuana. — Carol Robinson, AL.com, "Pinson couple arrested after drug raid turns up ecstasy, crack, meth and weed," 26 Mar. 2018 Police are seeking felony drug charges against the main suspect, for delivery of heroin, cocaine, fentanyl and ecstasy. — Adriana Ramirez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Three arrested in Germantown heroin bust after trying to sell drugs to undercover cop," 5 July 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.