apoplexy

American  

[ap-uh-plek-see] / ˈæp əˌplɛk si /

noun

1. stroke.

2. a sudden, usually marked loss of bodily function due to rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel.

3. a hemorrhage into an organ cavity or tissue.

4. a state of extreme anger.

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apoplexy British  

/ ˈæpəˌplɛksɪ /

noun

1. sudden loss of consciousness, often followed by paralysis, caused by rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel in the brain

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Etymology

Origin of apoplexy

1350–1400; Middle English apoplexie < Late Latin < Greek, equivalent to apóplēkt ( os ) ( see apoplectic) + -ia -y ³

Explanation

Apoplexy is a sudden and often fatal fit resulting from blood vessels bursting in the brain. The 19th century character Madame Bovary became a widow because of it. Today, we generally call it "a stroke," but apoplexy sounds way better. Although apoplexy as a specific medical term is not such a common term now, the word apoplectic certainly is, meaning furious and red-faced with uncontrollable rage (so called because its symptoms of flushed red face and loss of bodily control mimic those of apoplexy). Often used humorously — apoplectic is how you might describe your parents when they see your grades — though there's nothing funny about a real apoplectic fit.

Example Sentences

Apoplexy would be a kind description of their response.

From New York Times • Sep. 6, 2016

Apoplexy arises from over-feeding, and can seldom be treated in time to be of service.

From Poultry A Practical Guide to the Choice, Breeding, Rearing, and Management of all Descriptions of Fowls, Turkeys, Guinea-fowls, Ducks, and Geese, for Profit and Exhibition. by Piper, Hugh

A certain Person, who purposely sunned himself for a considerable Time, in the clear Day of an intermitting tertian Fever, underwent the Assault of an Apoplexy, which carried him off the following Day.

From Advice to the people in general, with regard to their health by Tissot, S. A. D. (Samuel Auguste David)

I have frequently quoted in my Treatises on Headache, Apoplexy, and Diseases of Females, and shall continue to quote in the forthcoming books.

From Hydriatic treatment of Scarlet Fever in its Different Forms by Munde, Charles

Apoplexy may be produced by various causes, hereditary disposition, high living, or anxiety of mind, or all united.

From Fairy Fingers A Novel by Ritchie, Anna Cora Ogden Mowatt