Enrapt

/ɛnˈræpt/ verb

Definition

To seize or carry away; to capture the interest completely.

Etymology

Archaic verb form combining 'en-' with 'rape' (Latin 'rapere', seize). Over time, this was replaced by the more euphemistic 'enrapture'.

Kelly Says

Medieval English had a nastier vocabulary than we do now—'enrapt' and 'enrapture' basically meant the same violent thing initially, but 'enrapture' softened into purely emotional capture.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.