Main Entry: ec·sta·sy Pronunciation: 'ek-st&-sE Function: noun Inflected Form(s): 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 : a synthetic amphetamine analogue C11H15NO2 used illicitly for its mood-enhancing and hallucinogenic properties 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) . RAPTURE usually implies intense bliss or beatitude . TRANSPORT applies to any powerful emotion that lifts one out of oneselfand mayprovoke frenzied action .
