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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.

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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

Words nearby nympholepsy

nymphalid, nymphectomy, nymphet, nymphitis, nympho, nympholepsy, nympholept, nymphomania, nymphomaniac, nymphoncus, nymphotomy
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for nympholepsy

British Dictionary definitions for nympholepsy

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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012