Nympholepsy
[nim-fuh-lep-see] /ˈnɪm fəˌlɛp si/
noun, plural nympholepsies.
1.
an ecstasy supposed by the ancients to be inspired by nymphs.
2.
a frenzy of emotion, as for something unattainable.
/ˈnɪmfəˌlɛpsɪ/
noun (pl) -sies
1.
a state of violent emotion, esp when associated with a desire for something one cannot have
n.
“frenzy or rapture supposed to take hold of a man upon gazing on a nymph,” 1775, coined by Richard Chandler, in “Travels in Greece,” from nymph, on model of epilepsy, with second element from stem of Greek lambanein “to take.” Especially “an ecstasy or frenzy caused by desire for the unattainable.” Ancient Greek had nympholeptos “caught by nymphs.” Related: Nympholept; nympholeptic.
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[nim-fuh-lep-see] /ˈnɪm fəˌlɛp si/ noun, plural nympholepsies. 1. an ecstasy supposed by the ancients to be inspired by nymphs. 2. a frenzy of emotion, as for something unattainable. /ˈnɪmfəˌlɛpsɪ/ noun (pl) -sies 1. a state of violent emotion, esp when associated with a desire for something one cannot have n. “frenzy or rapture supposed to […]
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