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apoplectic

American  
[ap-uh-plek-tik] / ˌæp əˈplɛk tɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to apoplexy or stroke.

  2. having or inclined to apoplexy.

  3. intense enough to threaten or cause apoplexy.

    an apoplectic rage.

  4. extremely angry; furious.

    He became apoplectic at the mere mention of the subject.


noun

  1. a person having or predisposed to apoplexy. apoplexy.

apoplectic British  
/ ˌæpəˈplɛktɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to apoplexy

  2. informal furious

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a person having apoplexy

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • apoplectically adverb
  • postapoplectic adjective
  • pseudoapoplectic adjective
  • pseudoapoplectical adjective
  • pseudoapoplectically adverb

Etymology

Origin of apoplectic

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin apoplēcticus, from Greek apoplēktikós “pertaining to a (paralytic) stroke,” equivalent to apóplēkt(os) “struck down” (derivative of apoplḗssein ) + -ikos -ic

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.

Most are apoplectic with their board and split on the way to voice that anger.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

My remarks moved an apoplectic plaintiff’s lawyer to point across the room at his opposing counsel, leer in my direction, and ask, “So are you accusing me of colluding with him?”

From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026

Beijing’s apoplectic response to Takaichi’s perceived intervention in China’s affairs has included intense personal attacks on the new prime minister, often linking her with the militarism that fueled Japan’s brutal conduct in World War II.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

Some Country Club Park residents are apoplectic at the suggestion of removing the gates.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2024

It was a furious voice, and it grew louder and more furious with each apoplectic word.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood