心酔

• Reading: しんすい
• Romaji: shinsui
• Kanji breakdown: 心 (shin/kokoro) — heart, mind; 酔 (sui/yo) — to be drunk, intoxicated
• Pronunciation: /ɕiɴsɯi/

Meaning

Infatuation; deep admiration; being completely captivated by someone or something to the point of uncritical devotion.

Used as a noun or する-verb (心酔する). Describes being so deeply enamoured or devoted to a person, ideology, or art form that one is figuratively 'drunk' on it. Carries a nuance of uncritical devotion — the person is so captivated they may lose objectivity. Often used in contexts of hero worship, artistic passion, or ideological following. Stronger than 傾倒 (inclination, devotion).

Examples

1. 若い頃、彼はニーチェの哲学に心酔していた。 In his younger years, he was completely infatuated with Nietzsche's philosophy.
2. その指揮者の演奏に心酔した聴衆は、長い喝采を送った。 The audience, captivated by the conductor's performance, gave a long standing ovation.
3. 弟子たちは師の教えに心酔するあまり、批判的思考を忘れた。 The disciples became so infatuated with their master's teachings that they forgot to think critically.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, arts, religion, literary criticism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 心 (heart, mind) and 酔 (to be intoxicated, drunk). The metaphor of the heart being drunk captures the loss of rational distance in the face of overwhelming admiration.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal