Pronunciation: [ˈɛkstəsi] (IPA) 
The word "ecstasy" is pronounced /ɛk-stə-si/ and spelled with the letter "c" rather than "x" because it comes from the Greek word "ekstasis," which does not contain the letter "x." The "c" represents the "ks" sound at the end of the word. This word refers to a state of extreme happiness or intense pleasure. It is important to spell words correctly to ensure effective communication and avoid misunderstandings.
Ecstasy is a noun that primarily refers to an intense feeling of overwhelming joy, delight, or ecstasy. It is an emotional state characterized by being extremely happy, ecstatic, or elated. In this sense, ecstasy is the highest peak of happiness one can feel, often accompanied by an intense rush of positive emotions and sensations.
Additionally, ecstasy can also refer to a state induced by the use of certain drugs, particularly the synthesized psychoactive substance known as MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine). In this context, ecstasy usually denotes a state of intense euphoria, heightened sensory perception, and emotional warmth typically experienced for a certain period after taking the drug.
The word "ecstasy" stems from the Greek word "ekstasis," meaning "standing outside oneself." This etymology emphasizes the idea of being transported or removed from one's normal state of existence, whether this is achieved through intense emotions or drug-induced sensations.
From a historical and religious perspective, "ecstasy" can also describe a spiritual or mystic experience where an individual transcends the physical or ordinary world to reach a profound union with the divine or a higher power. This usage often describes moments of intense religious or spiritual enlightenment that foster a heightened connection with the divine or a sense of oneness with the universe.
Overall, while primarily referring to an intense feeling of joy or delight, the definition of "ecstasy" can also encompass drug-induced euphoria and transformative spiritual experiences.
A nervous affection resembling catalepsy, in which there is mental exaltation, with more or less sensory anesthesia and a rapturous expression.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Excessive joy; extreme delight; a state of the body in which the functions of the senses are suspended; a trance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "ecstasy" originates from the Greek word "ekstasis" (ἔκστασις), which is a compound of the prefix "ek-" meaning "out" or "away from" and the verb "stasis" meaning "standing". In its original sense, "ecstasy" referred to a state of being "beside oneself" or "out of one's normal state" such as being in a trance, frenzy, or extreme emotion. Over time, the term has come to be associated with intense pleasure, euphoria, or a trance-like state induced by certain drugs.
