catalepsy

American  

[kat-l-ep-see] / ˈkæt lˌɛp si /

Or catalepsis

noun

Pathology, Psychiatry.

1. a physical condition usually associated with catatonic schizophrenia, characterized by suspension of sensation, muscular rigidity, fixity of posture, and often by loss of contact with environment.

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catalepsy British  

/ ˈkætəˌlɛpsɪ /

noun

1. a state of prolonged rigid posture, occurring for example in schizophrenia or in hypnotic trances

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Other Word Forms

• cataleptic adjective
• cataleptically adverb

Etymology

Origin of catalepsy

1350–1400; < Medieval Latin catalēpsia, variant of Late Latin catalēpsis < Greek katálēpsis seizure (akin to katalambánein to hold down), equivalent to kata- cata- + lêpsis a grasping ( lēp-, variant stem of lambánein to grasp + -sis -sis ); replacing Middle English cathalempsia < Medieval Latin

Compare meaning

How does catalepsy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cataplexy vs. catalepsy

Example Sentences

“That cancels an android into catalepsy,” Rachael said, her eyes shut.

From Literature

It is suspected to be a case of catalepsy, hospital sources told Spanish news channel Telecinco.

From BBC

The book contains an admirably-described case of catalepsy, which is equally well explained.

From Project Gutenberg

When the Thyroid was discontinued the catalepsy grew worse, the exophthalmic goitre better; when resumed the catalepsy better, the exophthalmic goitre worse.

From Project Gutenberg

I had never heard of anything like it except the trance which leads to canonization, or the catalepsy that baffles science.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• coma
• rapture
• reverie
• stupor
• unconsciousness