Joy of endless intimacy (7)

I believe the answer is:

elation

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'joy' is the definition.
(I know that elation is a type of joy)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for elation that I've seen before include "It's a great feeling!" , "Delight, thrill" , "Feeling of delight, joy" , "Transport" , "'High spirits, exhilaration (7)'" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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