nympholepsy

noun

nym·​pho·​lep·​sy ˈnim(p)-fə-ˌlep-sē 

1

: a demonic enthusiasm held by the ancients to seize one bewitched by a nymph

2

: a frenzy of emotion

nympholept

ˈnim(p)-fə-ˌlept 

noun

nympholeptic

ˌnim(p)-fə-ˈlep-tik 

adjective

Word History

Etymology

nymph + -o- + -lepsy, after Greek nymphóleptos "possessed by nymphs, frenzied, enraptured," from nýmphē "bride, young wife, nymph of mythology" + -o- -o- + lēptós, verbal adjective of lambánein "to take hold of, seize" — more at latch entry 1

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1