nirvana
UK[nɪəˈvɑːnə]US[nɪrˈvɑːnə]
n
(in buddhism) a state in which the individual self is extinguished and all suffering and desire are ended, leading to perfect peace and happiness.
n
a state of perfect happiness and peace, free from all suffering and worldly concerns.
Etymology
the word 'nirvana' is a direct borrowing from sanskrit (nirvāṇa), which itself is derived from the verbal root 'nirvā-' meaning 'to be extinguished' or 'to blow out', combined with the abstract noun suffix '-ana'. the literal sense is 'a blowing out, extinction', specifically referring to the extinguishing of the fires of desire, aversion, and delusion. in buddhist doctrine, this signifies the ultimate goal—the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth. entering english in the late 18th century through scholarly translations of eastern religious texts, it has since broadened in secular usage to denote any idealized state of bliss, freedom, or liberation.
Analysis
this is a loanword from sanskrit, adopted into english as an unanalyzed simplex. it does not contain separable morphemes within the english spelling system.
Examples
the monk sought to attain nirvana through meditation and detachment.
for her, a quiet afternoon reading in the garden was a state of pure nirvana.
the philosophy teaches that nirvana is not a place but a state of mind.