Definition

A person who is deeply infatuated or obsessed, often in a romantic or idealized way, typically with a nymph or a similar figure.

Example

He was such a nympholept, always dreaming of the perfect woman who would sweep him off his feet.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term nympholept?

No, I haven't. What does it mean?

It's someone who is completely captivated by a nymph or a fantasy.

That sounds intriguing! I can see how someone could become a nympholept in a story.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nympholept is formed from "nymph" (from Greek "nymphē", meaning a spirit or goddess of nature) and "-olept" (from Greek "leptos", meaning seized or taken). The word describes someone who is seized or captivated by the beauty of a nymph or nature spirit.

Memory Tip

Imagine being 'captivated' ('-olept') by the 'spirit of nature' ('nymph') — that's why nympholept refers to someone enchanted by nature's beauty.

Visually Confused Words