[ec.sta.sy] n, pl -sies [ME extasie, fr. MF, fr. LL ecstasis, fr. Gk ekstasis, fr. existanai to derange, fr. ex- out + histanai to cause to stand--more at ex-, stand] (14c) 1 a: a state of being beyond reason and self-control b archaic: swoon
2: a state of overwhelming emotion; esp: rapturous delight
3: trance; esp: a mystic or prophetic trance
4: a synthetic amphetamine analogue used illicitly for its mood-enhancing and hallucinogenic properties syn 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 usu. implies intense bliss or beatitude "in speechless rapture". transport applies to any powerful emotion that lifts one out of oneself and usu. provokes vehement expression or frenzied action "in a transport of rage".