Definition of ecstatic

The word "ecstatic" comes from the Greek word "ekstasis," which means "standing outside oneself." In ancient Greek philosophy and religion, ecstasy referred to a state of spiritual and emotional transcendence in which an individual experienced a direct connection with the divine or supernatural realm. This concept of ecstasy was associated with various religious and mystical practices, such as shamanism, prophecy, and worship of the gods. In medieval Christianity, ecstasy was sometimes used to describe certain visions and experiences of holy figures, such as St. Theresa of Avila, who reported feeling an overwhelming sense of divine presence. In modern English, the meaning of ecstasy has broadened to encompass any intense and overwhelming feeling, whether it be joy, elation, or anything in between. However, the root meaning of standing outside oneself still persists, as ecstasy is often described as a state of heightened awareness in which one feels disconnected from ordinary reality.