(griech.-lat.)seel. Erregungszustand, der häufig religiös bestimmt ist. Man unterscheidet zw. einer spontan über den Menschen kommenden E. und einer künstl. E., die durch Askese, Tanz, Musik oder Drogen herbeigeführt wird. Eine gesteigerte Neigung zur E. findet sich bei Psychosen.
ETYM French extase, Latin ecstasis, from Greek ekstasis, put out of place, derange; ex = ek out + stellein to set, stand.
1. A state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion; SYN. rapture, transport, exaltation.
2. A state of elated bliss; SYN. repture.
(religion) A state of exaltation where the self is transcended. It covers a range of phenomena from mysticism to spirit possession and shamanism. In Hinduism the achievement of ecstasy, bhava, is a sign of spiritual advancement on the yogic path.
ETYM Old Eng. frenesie, fransey, French frénésie, Latin phrenesis, from Greek phrenesis for phrenitis disease of the mind, phrenitis, from phrhn mind. Related to Frantic, Phrenitis.
Any violent agitation of the mind approaching to distraction; violent and temporary derangement of the mental faculties; madness; rage.