nympholepsy

[nim-fuh-lep-see] /ˈnɪm fəˌlɛp si/
noun, plural nympholepsies.
1.
an ecstasy supposed by the ancients to be inspired by nymphs.
2.
a frenzy of emotion, as for something unattainable.
Origin
1765-75; formed on nympholept, on the model of epilepsy
Related forms
nympholeptic
[nim-fuh-lep-tik] /ˌnɪm fəˈlɛp tɪk/ (Show IPA), adjective
British Dictionary definitions for nympholepsy

nympholepsy

/ˈnɪmfəˌlɛpsɪ/
noun (pl) -sies
1.
a state of violent emotion, esp when associated with a desire for something one cannot have
Derived Forms
nympholeptic, adjective
Word Origin
C18: from nympholept, on the model of epilepsy
Word Origin and History for nympholepsy
n.

"frenzy or rapture supposed to take hold of a man upon gazing on a nymph," 1775, coined by Richard Chandler, in "Travels in Greece," from nymph, on model of epilepsy, with second element from stem of Greek lambanein "to take." Especially "an ecstasy or frenzy caused by desire for the unattainable." Ancient Greek had nympholeptos "caught by nymphs." Related: Nympholept; nympholeptic.