adj

epileptic

eh-pih-LEHP-tihk

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Epileptic (adj) means relating to epilepsy or to people who have it. Example: “She was rushed to hospital after an epileptic seizure.”

adj

Relating to epilepsy or to people who have it.

"She was rushed to hospital after an epileptic seizure."

"The school keeps a record of any pupil's epileptic condition in case of an emergency."

noun

A person who has epilepsy.

"His brother, an epileptic since childhood, always carries his medication with him."

How to use epileptic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes epilepsy, or someone who has it — most often used today for the medical condition ("an epileptic seizure") rather than as a label for a person.

Common mistake

Many style guides now prefer "a person with epilepsy" over calling someone "an epileptic," since the noun can feel reductive; the adjective ("epileptic seizure/fit") is still standard.

Common pairings

epileptic seizure epileptic fit epileptic episode

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: epileptics

Test yourself on “epileptic” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She was rushed to hospital after an _____ seizure.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek epilēptikós, from epilambánein, "to seize upon" — the same idea behind the word "epilepsy" itself.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for epileptic

septic sceptic skeptic antiseptic

See all rhymes for epileptic →

Frequently asked questions

What does “epileptic” mean?

The word “epileptic” means relating to epilepsy or to people who have it. In plain terms, describes epilepsy, or someone who has it — most often used today for the medical condition ("an epileptic seizure") rather than as a label for a person.

How do you pronounce “epileptic”?

“Epileptic” is pronounced eh-pih-LEHP-tihk (/ˌɛpɪˈlɛptɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “epileptic” in a sentence?

Here is “epileptic” used in a sentence: “She was rushed to hospital after an epileptic seizure.”

What part of speech is “epileptic”?

Depending on how it is used, “epileptic” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “epileptic” come from?

The word “epileptic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek epilēptikós, from epilambánein, "to seize upon" — the same idea behind the word "epilepsy" itself.

How many meanings does “epileptic” have?

“Epileptic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to epilepsy or to people who have it.