adj
catatonic
ka-tuh-TON-ihk
Catatonic (adj) means In a state of near-total unresponsiveness and stillness, as from shock or a psychiatric condition. Example: “After the accident, he sat catatonic in the waiting room, unable to speak.”
adj
1
In a state of near-total unresponsiveness and stillness, as from shock or a psychiatric condition.
"After the accident, he sat catatonic in the waiting room, unable to speak."
How to use catatonic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFrozen and unresponsive, whether from a medical condition or emotional shock.
Common mistake
Often used loosely in everyday speech to mean "completely still and unresponsive," beyond its clinical psychiatric meaning.
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Word forms
- Plural
- catatonics
- Comparative
- more catatonic
- Superlative
- most catatonic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After the accident, he sat _____ in the waiting room, unable to speak.
Rhymes for catatonic
See all rhymes for catatonic →Frequently asked questions
What does “catatonic” mean?
The word “catatonic” means in a state of near-total unresponsiveness and stillness, as from shock or a psychiatric condition. In plain terms, frozen and unresponsive, whether from a medical condition or emotional shock.
How do you pronounce “catatonic”?
“Catatonic” is pronounced ka-tuh-TON-ihk (/kæ.təˈtɑn.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “catatonic” in a sentence?
Here is “catatonic” used in a sentence: “After the accident, he sat catatonic in the waiting room, unable to speak.”
What part of speech is “catatonic”?
“Catatonic” is an adjective.
