apraxia

[uh-prak-see-uh, ey-prak-]

noun

Pathology.

1. a disorder of the nervous system, characterized by an inability to perform purposeful movements, but not accompanied by a loss of sensory function or paralysis.

apraxia

/ əˈpræksɪə /

noun

1. a disorder of the central nervous system caused by brain damage and characterized by impaired ability to carry out purposeful muscular movements

Other Word Forms

• apraxic adjective
• apractic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apraxia¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1885–90; a- ⁶, praxis, -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of apraxia¹

C19: via New Latin from Greek: inactivity, from _a- ¹ + praxis action

Example Sentences

The broadcaster, who was diagnosed with the speech condition apraxia in 2022, has pledged he will perform with the Bantam singers at Valley Parade this year.

From BBC

According to Braun, her son Killian was born with a neurological condition that affects his speech, called childhood apraxia of speech.

From Fox News

My father’s speaking voice had not been shaped by his apraxia, I realized, but from years of negotiating volatile courtroom situations as a lawyer.

From Salon

Holly Anderson is a Utah mother of four, including a 3-year-old son with autism and apraxia of speech.

From Washington Times

Thanks to apraxia, even that is mostly unintelligible, except to those who know me well.

From Wall Street Journal