nympholepsy

[ nim-fuh-lep-see ]
/ ˈnɪm fəˌlɛp si /

noun, plural nym·pho·lep·sies.

an ecstasy supposed by the ancients to be inspired by nymphs.
a frenzy of emotion, as for something unattainable.

Origin of nympholepsy

1765–75; formed on nympholept, on the model of epilepsy

OTHER WORDS FROM nympholepsy

nym·pho·lep·tic [nim-fuh-lep-tik] /ˌnɪm fəˈlɛp tɪk/, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for nympholeptic

British Dictionary definitions for nympholeptic

nympholepsy
/ (ˈnɪmfəˌlɛpsɪ) /

noun plural -sies

a state of violent emotion, esp when associated with a desire for something one cannot have

Derived forms of nympholepsy

nympholeptic, adjective

Word Origin for nympholepsy

C18: from nympholept, on the model of epilepsy