orgy
UK: ˈɔːdʒi | US: ˈɔːrdʒi
n. 1. A wild, drunken, or licentious festivity or celebration.
n. 2. Excessive indulgence in a specified activity (e.g., "an orgy of shopping").
n. 3. (Historical) Secret rites or ceremonies in ancient Greek and Roman religions, often involving ecstatic worship of deities like Dionysus.
The word "orgy" traces back to the Greek orgia, meaning secret rites or ceremonies, particularly those dedicated to Dionysus (god of wine and ecstasy). These rituals involved frenzied dancing, drinking, and revelry. Over time, the term broadened to describe any unrestrained, excessive gathering. The spelling evolved through Latin orgia and French orgie before entering English in the 16th century, retaining its core idea of abandon but secularizing its context.
The party turned into a drunken orgy that lasted until dawn.
Critics condemned the film as an orgy of violence.
In ancient Greece, orgies were part of religious worship.
Black Friday sales often descend into an orgy of consumerism.
The novel depicts an orgy of corruption among politicians.