ecstasy /ek″stəsē/ [Gk, ekstasis, derangement] , 1. an emotional state characterized by exultation, rapturous delight, or frenzy. It may be induced by a religious or deeply spiritual event, by medications, or by other substances. Compare euphoria, mania. −ecstatic, adj. 2. (Informal) popular name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, a hallucinogenic drug of abuse. See also drug abuse.