theolepsy means possession by a deity; divine inspiration. It carries an Arena rating of 1738, earned across 6 head-to-head judged battles.
Why “theolepsy” is a great word
A state of being seized or possessed by a deity, manifesting as divine inspiration. From Ancient Greek θεο- (theo-, 'god') + λῆψις (lēpsis, 'seizure, taking hold'), via θεοληψία (theolēpsía, 'divine inspiration; superstition'), first attested in English in 1886. Unlike epiphany, a moment of sudden insight without possession, or enthusiasm, now denoting mere eagerness rather than its original god-filled frenzy, theolepsy implies a full and total takeover. It is the involuntary stammer of the oracle, the rigid ecstasy of the saint receiving the stigmata, and the terrifying glossolalia that bypasses the conscious mind—a profound surrender to a power that uses the human form as its temporary, broken instrument.
Etymology
From theo- + -lepsy, or directly from Ancient Greek θεοληψία (theolēpsía, “divine inspiration; superstition”).
noun
- Possession by a deity; divine inspiration.