1. in Hinduism, a state of liberation or illumination, characterized by the extinction of individual consciousness as it merges into brahman, the eternal Absolute. Nirvana frees one from suffering, death and rebirth, and all other worldly bonds.

2. in Buddhism, the state of perfect blessedness that is the goal of all spiritual practice.

3. in general use, any place or condition of great peace or bliss. [Sanskrit, literally: “extinction”]