rapture
UK: ˈræp.tʃə | US: ˈræp.tʃɚ
n. 1. A feeling of intense pleasure or joy.
n. 2. (Theology) The transporting of believers to heaven at the Second Coming of Christ.
vt. (Archaic) To enrapture or carry away with emotion.
rapture = rap<seize> + ture<noun suffix>
- rap (from Latin rapere, meaning "to seize, carry off")
- ture (a noun-forming suffix derived from Latin -tura, indicating an action or result)
Etymology Origin:
The word "rapture" originates from the Latin raptus, the past participle of rapere ("to seize"). It initially described the act of being physically carried away, later evolving to signify spiritual or emotional transport—particularly in Christian theology, where it denotes the ecstatic ascent of believers to heaven. The modern sense of "overwhelming joy" reflects the emotional intensity of this "seizing" experience.
She listened to the music with an expression of pure rapture.
The preacher spoke vividly about the Rapture and its significance.
The beauty of the sunset left him in silent rapture.
(Archaic) The poet was raptured by the vision of nature’s splendor.
Fans watched the performance in rapture, utterly captivated.