ecstasy
EK-stuh-see
/ˈekstəsi/
An overwhelming feeling of great happiness, joyful excitement, or mystical trance taking one outside oneself.
In mystical historical terms, ecstasy means literally being standing outside one's ordinary identity in transcendent euphoria.
The story behind the word. Ancient Greeks created 'ekstasis' from 'ek' (out) and 'histanai' (to stand). To the Greeks, intense emotion or divine inspiration literally placed a person's soul outside their physical body, so they were 'standing outside themselves'.
Word relationships
- rapture: Rapture emphasizes being carried away by joy; ecstasy emphasizes transcendent out-of-body emotional elevation.
- bliss: Bliss is serene, tranquil happiness, whereas ecstasy is intense, overwhelming emotional elevation.
- agony: Agony is extreme physical or mental suffering.
- despair: Despair is complete loss or absence of hope and spiritual warmth.
Commonly confused with
- euphoria: Euphoria is intense physical or psychological well-being; ecstasy often carries transcendent spiritual or trance-like dimensions.
Word family
- ecstatic (adjective): Feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful trance.
- ecstatically (adverb): In an ecstatic manner.
Collocations
- pure ecstasy
- religious ecstasy
- state of ecstasy
- rapturous ecstasy
Example sentences
- "The mystic entered a state of profound spiritual ecstasy during her deep evening prayers." Classical Literature Citation
- "Bernini's famous sculpture captures Saint Teresa in a moment of transcendent religious ecstasy." Art History
Memory hook
ECSTASY = EX-STATION: exiting your mental station to stand outside yourself in joy. Standing outside oneself.
When not to use
Avoid spelling it as 'extasy' or 'ecstacy'.
Fun facts
- In ancient Greek medical texts, 'ekstasis' was used to describe madness or displacement of the mind before acquiring its joyful spiritual meaning.
Related words
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