epileptic
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
noun
Usage
Rather than talking about an epileptic or epileptics , it is better to talk about a person with epilepsy and people with epilepsy
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of epileptic
First recorded in 1600–10; from Late Latin epilēpticus, from Greek epilēptikós, from epílēpt(os) ( see epilepsy) + -ikos -ic
Explanation
Anything described as epileptic is related to the nervous system disorder that can cause convulsions. An epileptic seizure often makes the body shake uncontrollably. Both epileptic and epilepsy come from a Greek root that means "to seize." It's a good description of an epileptic event, in which a person shakes or moves convulsively as though something has taken hold of them. The causes of this disorder aren't fully understood. Though it was once common to describe a person with epilepsy as an epileptic, it's rarely used that way today.
Vocabulary lists containing epileptic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
During a videotaped electroenchephalogram to test Linton for possible epileptic episodes, Linton also jerked and twitched on six different occasions.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
Prosecutors have said Linton was pretending to seize during the tests, noting the scan itself did not show brain activity consistent with an epileptic episode during the moments when she was physically reacting.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
The social aspect is also important for Ian, who cannot work due to living with uncontrollable epileptic seizures.
From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026
Abbott watches EEG results, which are really a training screen showing “status epilepticus,” an epileptic seizure.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026
“Did you know Henrietta had an epileptic daughter?”
From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
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