Nympholepsy
/ˈnɪm.fəˌlɛp.si/noun
A state of rapturous frenzy or inspiration, originally thought to be caused by being seized by a nymph.
Did you know?In ancient Greek thought, a nympholept was someone so overwhelmed by a nymph’s presence that they were believed to be spiritually seized, turning desire into a kind of sacred madness.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
nymphē
“a nymph; a young bride or maiden”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-lēpsia / nympholēpsia
“a seizure or being seized by a nymph”
Late 16th Century
English
nympholepsy
“a state of inspiration or frenzy, especially one imagined as caused by nymph-like enchantment”
Modern English
English
nympholepsy
“a state of rapturous obsession or creative frenzy”