- rejoice (v.)
- c.1300, "to enjoy the possession of," from Old French rejoiss-, stem of rejoissant, present participle of rejoir "gladden, rejoice," from re-, intensive prefix, + joir "be glad," from Latin gaudere "rejoice" (see joy). Originally sense in to rejoice in. Meaning "to be full of joy" is recorded from late 14c. Middle English also used simple verb joien "to feel gladness; to rejoice" (mid-13c.). Related: Rejoiced; rejoicing.