noun

catalepsy

KAT-uh-lep-see

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Catalepsy (noun) means a medical condition in which the body suddenly becomes rigid, holds one posture and loses contact with its surroundings. Example: “The doctor described the patient's catalepsy as a sudden freezing of the whole body.”

noun

technical A medical condition in which the body suddenly becomes rigid, holds one posture and loses contact with its surroundings.

"The doctor described the patient's catalepsy as a sudden freezing of the whole body."

"During an episode of catalepsy, she stayed in exactly the same position for a long time."

"The nurse noticed the patient's catalepsy when his arm stayed raised in the air for minutes."

How to use catalepsy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA state where the body suddenly locks rigid in one posture.

When to use it

It is a medical and psychiatric term, rarely used in everyday talk.

Memory tip

Stress the first syllable, and remember the adjective form is cataleptic.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cataplexy

Common pairings

cataleptic state episode of catalepsy suffer from catalepsy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

The doctor described the patient's _____ as a sudden freezing of the whole body.

Etymology

The word comes from Ancient Greek katalepsis, meaning an act of seizing, which derives from a verb meaning to seize. That verb joins a prefix meaning against with a verb meaning to take.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for catalepsy

epilepsy narcolepsy

See all rhymes for catalepsy →

Frequently asked questions

What is catalepsy?

Catalepsy is a condition in which the body suddenly goes rigid and stays fixed in one posture, with the person losing contact with their surroundings.

What does the word catalepsy come from?

It comes from Ancient Greek katalepsis, meaning an act of seizing, from a verb meaning to seize.

Is catalepsy the same as cataplexy?

No. Catalepsy is sudden rigidity with a fixed posture, whereas cataplexy is a different condition involving a sudden loss of muscle tone.

What is the meaning of catalepsy?

"catalepsy" (noun) means a medical condition in which the body suddenly becomes rigid, holds one posture and loses contact with its surroundings.