Dictionary Information: Definition Ecstasy - Description Meaning Thesaurus

Ecstasy (Ec"sta*sy) (?), n.; pl. Ecstasies (#).
[F. extase, L. ecstasis, fr. Gr. ¿, fr. ¿ to put out of place, derange; ¿ = ¿ out + ¿ to set, stand. See Ex-, and Stand.]

[Also written extasy.]

1. The state of being beside one's self or rapt out of one's self; a state in which the mind is elevated above the reach of ordinary impressions, as when under the influence of overpowering emotion; an extraordinary elevation of the spirit, as when the soul, unconscious of sensible objects, is supposed to contemplate heavenly mysteries. "Like a mad prophet in an ecstasy." Dryden. "This is the very ecstasy of love." Shak.
2. Excessive and overmastering joy or enthusiasm; rapture; enthusiastic delight. "He on the tender grass Would sit, and hearken even to ecstasy." Milton.
3. Violent distraction of mind; violent emotion; excessive grief of anxiety; insanity; madness. [Obs.] "That unmatched form and feature of blown youth Blasted with ecstasy." Shak. "Our words will but increase his ecstasy." Marlowe.
4. (Med.) A state which consists in total suspension of sensibility, of voluntary motion, and largely of mental power. The body is erect and inflexible; the pulsation and breathing are not affected. Mayne.

Ecstasy (Ec"sta*sy), v. t.

To fill ecstasy, or with rapture or enthusiasm. [Obs.] "The most ecstasied order of holy . . . spirits." Jer. Taylor.