raptus
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of raptus
1840–50; < Latin: a seizing, equivalent to rap ( ere ) to seize, abduct, rape 1 + -tus suffix of v. action
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He would undoubtedly say,—"My dear Bettina, you, who have such a flow of words and ideas, must certainly have had a raptus when you wrote in that manner to G�the."
From Life of Beethoven by Schindler, Anton
When in this state of mind Madame von Breuning used to say that he was in his "raptus."
From Music: An Art and a Language by Spalding, Walter Raymond
He said, "Did I say this?—Well then I have had my raptus."
From Life of Beethoven by Schindler, Anton
"What king do you place above all other kings, Magister?" asked Petrea for the second time,--having this evening her "raptus" of questioning.
From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 6 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright
Ad summos Martis dignitates gradatim assurgens, Gloriæ nobilis metæ appetens, In medio cursu, improvisa lethi vi raptus, 28 Septemb.
From Memoirs of the Jacobites of 1715 and 1745 Volume III. by Thomson, Mrs.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
