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 may be termed a general paralysis, and in nonfatal attacks is a frequent cause of the various forms of palsy.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.

Apoplexy, in the same way, is very like opium poisoning; and hydrophobia, lock-jaw, and even some cases of hysteria, closely resemble poisoning by strychnine.

From The Harmsworth Magazine, v. 1, 1898-1899, No. 2 by Various

Apoplexy is often confounded with cerebral congestion, but true apoplexy always consists in rupture of cerebral blood vessels, with blood extravasation and formation of blood clot.

From Special Report on Diseases of the Horse by Michener, Charles B.

Apoplexy comes next, especially if the fat man is also a florid man with a fast heart or an inclination to high blood pressure.

From How to Analyze People on Sight Through the Science of Human Analysis: The Five Human Types by Benedict, Elsie Lincoln