catatonia

What is another word for catatonia? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A severe psychiatric condition, often linked to schizophrenia, in which a person stays rigid and unresponsive for long stretches broken by bursts of extreme agitation.

We haven't recorded synonyms for catatonia yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use catatonia

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

state of catatonia slip into catatonia catatonia and schizophrenia

It is a clinical, technical term found mainly in psychiatric and medical contexts.

Etymology

The word entered English as part of international scientific vocabulary from German Katatonie, itself from New Latin catatonia, tracing back to a Greek word meaning to stretch tight. Read at face value, it breaks down into cata-, tone and the suffix -ia.

Full origin of catatonia →

Frequently asked questions

What is catatonia?

It is a severe psychiatric condition, often associated with schizophrenia, marked by long periods of rigid stupor that can suddenly give way to extreme agitation.

Is there another form of the word catatonia?

Yes, catatony is a dated alternative form of the word.

Where does the word catatonia come from?

It came into English via German Katatonie and New Latin, ultimately from a Greek word meaning to stretch tight.

Nearby words

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