noun

catatonia

kat-uh-TOH-nee-uh

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Catatonia (noun) means 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. Example: “The patient was diagnosed with catatonia after remaining motionless for several hours.”

noun

technical 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.

"The patient was diagnosed with catatonia after remaining motionless for several hours."

"Catatonia can alternate between periods of complete stillness and sudden agitation."

"Doctors treated her catatonia with medication once other causes had been ruled out."

How to use catatonia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCatatonia is a psychiatric condition where someone freezes into rigid stillness for long stretches.

When to use it

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

Memory tip

Stress the third syllable, TOH, and keep the ending as a soft -nee-uh rather than -toh-nia run together.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

state of catatonia slip into catatonia catatonia and schizophrenia

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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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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The patient was diagnosed with _____ after remaining motionless for several hours.

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.

Origin: German

Rhymes for catatonia

Odia aria India ataxia abulia Latvia acacia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia anaemia

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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.

What is the meaning of catatonia?

"catatonia" (noun) means 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.