rapture

noun

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rap·ture | \ ˈrap-chər

Definition of rapture

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an expression or manifestation of ecstasy or passion

2a : 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

rapture

verb

raptured; rapturing

Definition of rapture (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: enrapture

Other Words from rapture Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Phrases Containing rapture Learn More About rapture

Other Words from rapture

Noun

rapturous \ ˈrap-chə-rəs

, ˈrap-shrəs \ adjective

rapturously adverb

rapturousness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for rapture

Noun

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 rapture in a Sentence

Noun We listened with rapture as the orchestra played. He listened to the wind in the trees, his eyes closed in rapture. Verb nature lovers will be raptured by the documentary's breathtaking cinematography

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun That levitating Shaker woman isn’t only a symbol of spiritual rapture. — Laura Jacobs, WSJ, 15 May 2022 What isn’t small in these landscapes is the filmmaker, whose sense of rapture might as well be superimposed on these panoramic vistas like extreme closeups in swoon. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 May 2022 Decent rapture can’t help but conjure the indecent variety; Millay knew both well. — Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 9 May 2022 Some agents’ eyes glazed over when the couple talked about the fishing lodge, but the mention of orcas and black bears commanded complete rapture. — Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 7 May 2022 Maybe God was preparing for the rapture, Pam thought. — Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2022 To be surrounded by books is to be held rapt in an enchanted circle and to experience the rapture of being transported to other worlds. — New York Times, 24 Dec. 2021 There were hugs for family and a rapture that seemed primed for confetti and a presentation of the Larry O’Brien trophy. — Jason Gay, WSJ, 14 Apr. 2022 The Benedictus begins with four rapture-seeking vocal soloists (sopranos Brenda Rae and Miah Persson, tenor Attilio Glaser and bass Michael Sumuel) and an accommodating orchestra in excited anticipation. — Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Monk’s story is peppered with supernatural details, talk of evil spirits and unaccountable noises, and even an extremely old nun who may or may not rapture herself to heaven daily. — Mike Mariani, Slate Magazine, 22 Mar. 2017 At this time of year, Linnaeus had reached the farthest and most remote part of his journey, an alpine region, where he was driven to rapture by the diversity of flowering plants. — James Prosek, New York Times, 16 May 2017 See More

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

History and Etymology for rapture

Noun

rapt + -ure; (sense 3) probably after the use of rapere in the Vulgate (1 Thessalonians 4:17) to translate Greek harpázein "to take hold of, seize, snatch up"

Verb

derivative of rapture entry 1