rapt

1 of 2

adjective

ˈrapt 

1

: lifted up and carried away

2

: transported with emotion : enraptured

3

: wholly absorbed : engrossed

raptly

ˈrap(t)-lē 

adverb

raptness

ˈrap(t)-nəs 

noun

rapt

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of rap entry 3

Synonyms of rapt

Adjective

• ecstatic
• giddy
• enraptured

Examples of rapt in a Sentence

Adjective

The students listened with rapt attention.

The children sat rapt as the puppets danced.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

At least that was the case for the audience inside Roy Thomson Hall, who sat with rapt attention as Heder’s film opened the 51st Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday night. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

The gallery watched with rapt attention as Reddington gestured wildly, slammed his hand down and threw a stack of papers onto the bench. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Finally, in the 2021-22 season, an eaglet named Spirit grew up before the eyes of a rapt audience and soared into the great wide open. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026

At the same time, this very condition, which also has to do with rapt attention, even fascination, is actively projected in every direction. — Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, "carried off (of a soul to heaven)," borrowed from Latin raptus, past participle of rapere "to seize and carry off, take away by force, carry or sweep along" (Medieval Latin also "to carry away [a soul to heaven]") — more at rapid entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rapt

• apt
• capped
• chapped
• chapt
• clapped
• flapped
• gapped
• lapped
• mapped
• napped
• rapped
• sapped

Kids Definition

rapt

adjective

ˈrapt 

: showing complete delight or interest

listened with rapt attention

raptly

ˈrap-(t)lē 

adverb

raptness

ˈrap(t)-nəs 

noun