n.
Pronunciation: ' ek-st ə -s ē
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -sies
Etymology: 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
Date: 14th century
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 C 11 H 15 NO 2 used illicitly for its mood-enhancing and hallucinogenic properties ― called also MDMA
synonyms 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 (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>.