Joy1, n.
n. [O. Fr. joye, joie, joie, N. Fr. joie, Sp. joya, Pg. & Pr. joia, It. gioja, from Lat. gaudium, joy, pl. gaudia, from gaudere, to rejoice, to be glad.]
Sense 1. The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; excitement of pleasurable feelings caused by success, good fortune, the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits; gayety.
Who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame. Heb. xii. 2.
The roofs with joy resound. Dryden.
Her heavenly form beheld, all wished her joy. Dryden.
Joy is a delight of the mind, from the consideration of the present or assured approaching possession of a good. Locke.
With secret course, which no loud storms annoy, Glides the smooth current of domestic joy. Johnson.
Peace, Bring heavenly balm to heal my country's wounds, Joy to my soul, and transport to my lay. D. Humphrey.
Sense 2. The cause of joy or happiness.
For ye are our glory and joy. 1 Thess. ii. 20.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Keats.
Joy is often used in composition to form compounds, the meaning of which is obvious without explanation; as, joy-bells, joy-bringing, joy-inspiring, joy-mixed, and the like.
Synonyms—Gladness; pleasure; delight; happiness; exultation; transport; felicity; ecstasy; rapture; bliss; gayety; mirth; merriment; festivity; hilarity.