Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Ecstasy

Ec′sta-sy

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Ecstasies
(#)
.
[F.
extase
, L.
ecstasis
, fr. Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] to put out of place, derange; [GREEK] =
ἐκ
out + [GREEK] 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.
Shakespeare
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
.
Shakespeare
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.

Ec′sta-sy

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

Webster 1828 Edition

Ecstasy

EC'STASY

,
Noun.
[Gr. to stand.]
1.
Primarily, a fixed state; a trance; a state in which the mind is arrested and fixed, or as we say, lost; a state in which the functions of the senses are suspended by the contemplation of some extraordinary or supernatural object.
Whether what we call ecstasy be not dreaming with our eyes open, I leave to be examined.
2.
Excessive joy; rapture; a degree of delight that arrests the whole mind; as a pleasing ecstasy; the ecstasy of love; joy may rise to ecstasy.
3.
Enthusiasm; excessive elevation and absorption of mind; extreme delight.
He on the tender grass
Would sit and hearken even to ecstasy.
4.
Excessive grief or anxiety. [Not used.]
5.
Madness; distraction. [Not used.]
6.
In medicine, a species of catalepsy, when the person remembers, after the paroxysm is over, the ideas he had during the fit.

EC'STASY

,
Verb.
T.
To fill with rapture or enthusiasm.

Similar Results