bacchantic
|bac-chan-tic|
/ˌbækˈæn.tɪk/
wild, drunken revelry
Etymology
'bacchantic' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'bacchanticus', where 'Bacch-' referred to 'Bacchus' (the Roman god of wine) and the suffix '-anticus' formed an adjective.
'bacchantic' changed from Late Latin 'bacchanticus', which in turn came from Greek 'bakchantikos' (related to 'bakchants' or 'bakchantes', followers of Dionysus/Bacchus), and eventually developed into the modern English adjective 'bacchantic'.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to Bacchus or his followers', but over time it came to be used more broadly for 'characterized by drunken revelry or orgiastic frenzy'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to Bacchus (the Roman god of wine) or to the wild, orgiastic revelry associated with his worship; characterized by drunken revelry or frenzied, uncontrolled celebration.
The bacchantic celebrations lasted until dawn, leaving the streets strewn with overturned tables and shattered glasses.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/24 15:16