ecstasy

Definitions

This is the Greek branch of the stand family. Greek ek- (out) + histanai (to stand) gave ekstasis, literally 'standing outside yourself.' Joy so intense that you feel lifted out of your own body — that's ecstasy. Greek histēmi shares the same ancient PIE root *steh₂- as Latin stāre, so it sits in the same st family.

Why It Means This

The image is of the self leaving its normal place — you are 'beside yourself' with joy. The same 'standing outside' logic also gave us the drug name Ecstasy and the medical term 'stasis' (a standing still). Note that ecstasy is about being transported out of yourself, not just being very happy.

Common Collocations

• 1.in ecstasy处于狂喜中
• 2.state of ecstasy狂喜状态
• 3.religious ecstasy宗教式的迷狂

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She was in ecstasy when she heard she had won the scholarship.

• 2.

  The crowd screamed in ecstasy as the band took the stage.

• 3.

  He described the climb to the summit as a moment of pure ecstasy.

Synonym Comparison