A feeling of very great happiness or pleasure, so strong that it almost seems to carry you away.
From Greek 'ekstasis' meaning 'standing outside oneself', from 'ek' (out) and 'stasis' (standing). It originally described a state where people felt taken out of their normal mind or body.
The word suggests that intense joy literally pulls you outside your normal self. It’s used for both spiritual experiences and strong physical pleasure, hinting that both can feel like leaving ordinary reality.
The term 'ecstasy' in sexual contexts has often been used in ways that eroticize women while downplaying their agency and consent. In drug and rave cultures, portrayals of 'ecstatic' women have sometimes reinforced gendered stereotypes and vulnerabilities.
Use carefully in sexual or emotional contexts, emphasizing mutual consent and agency rather than objectifying one party.
["intense joy","rapture","MDMA (for the drug, more precise)"]
When discussing sexual pleasure, include women’s and queer people’s perspectives and research on autonomy, consent, and health, rather than defaulting to male-centered narratives.
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