rapt
UK: ræpt | US: ræpt
adj. completely absorbed or engrossed in something
adj. filled with intense joy or delight
adj. (archaic) carried away physically or spiritually
The word "rapt" originates from the Latin raptus, the past participle of rapere ("to seize, carry away"). It entered Middle English via Old French rapt, retaining the sense of being "carried away" physically or emotionally. Over time, its meaning shifted to emphasize intense mental absorption or ecstatic delight, reflecting the metaphorical "seizing" of one's attention or spirit. The root rap- also appears in words like "rapture" (extreme joy) and "rapid" (originally "seizing" speed).
She listened to the music with rapt attention.
The audience was rapt during the magician's performance.
His rapt expression showed how deeply the story moved him.
The monk sat in rapt meditation for hours.
(Archaic) The villagers believed she was rapt by fairies.