Definition of ecstasy

The word "ecstasy" derives from the ancient Greek εκστάσις (eksstasis), which means "standing outside oneself" or "being transferred from one's normal state." In a religious context, it became associated with experiencing a state of heightened spiritual awareness that transcends ordinary consciousness. In medieval Europe, it was used to describe the intense feelings of devotion and joy experienced during religious rituals, as well as the trance-like states of mystics. As the concept of ecstasy began to extend beyond religious contexts, it came to refer to any intense emotional experience that removes a person from their usual state of being, whether positive or negative. Today, it continues to be used in a variety of contexts, ranging from religious studies and philosophy to psychology and literature, where it describes a range of experiences and emotions from profound spirituality to extreme terror.