Category:Ecstasy

Ec"sta*sy, n.; pl. Ecstasies. Etym: [F. extase, L. ecstasis, fr. Gr. 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.)

Defn: 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.

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