-lepsy

1. a combining form meaning “seizure,” used in the formation of compound words:

   epilepsy.

-lepsy

combining form

1. indicating a seizure or attack

   catalepsy

Derived Forms

• -leptic, combining_form:in_adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of -lepsy¹

Combining form representing New Latin -lēpsia < Greek -lēpsia, equivalent to lêps ( is ) a seizure ( lēp- variant stem of lambánein to seize + -sis -sis ) + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of -lepsy¹

from New Latin -lepsia, from Greek, from lēpsis a seizure, from lambanein to seize

Words That Use -lepsy

What does -lepsy mean?

The combining form -lepsy is used like a suffix meaning “seizure.” It is sometimes used in medical terms.

The form -lepsy is based on the Greek lêpsis, meaning “seizure, grasping” and formed from the verb lambánein, “to seize.” This verb also helped form the Greek word epilēpsía, ultimate source of the English epilepsy.

Examples of -lepsy

One example of a medical term that features –lepsy is narcolepsy, “a condition characterized by frequent and uncontrollable periods of deep sleep.”

The first part of the word, narco-, means “stupor” or “state of drowsiness” (narcosis). The second part, -lepsy, means “seizure,” as we have seen. Narcolepsy literally translates to “a seizure of stupor.”

What are some words that use the combining form -lepsy?

• acatalepsy (via Greek akatalēpsía)
• catalepsy (via Greek katálēpsis)
• hypnolepsy
• nympholepsy

What are some other forms that -lepsy may be commonly confused with?

• -lysis
• lepto-
• lipo-

Break it down!

Catalepsy is a medical term for when someone is unconscious and rigid. Based on the meaning of -lepsy, what is catalepsy generally characterized by?