JOY, noun 1. The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is 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. JOY is a delight of the mind, from the consideration of the present or assured approaching possession of a good. Bring heavenly balm to heal my country's wounds, JOY to my soul and transport to my lay. 2. Gayety; mirth; festivity. The roofs with joy resound. 3. Happiness; felicity. Her heavenly form beheld, all wished her joy 4. A glorious and triumphant state. --Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross. Hebrews 12:2. 5. The cause of joy or happiness. For ye are our glory and joy 1 Thessalonians 2:19. 6. A term of fondness; the cause of you. JOY, verb intransitive To rejoice; to be glad; to exult. I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:18. JOY, verb transitive To give joy to; to congratulate; to entertain kindly. 1. To gladden; to exhilarate. My soul was joyed in vain. 2. To enjoy; to have or possess with pleasure, or to have pleasure in the possession of. [Little used. See Enjoy.]
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI