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

Derived Forms

• cataleptically
  adverb
• cataleptic
  adjective

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

Explanation

Catalepsy is a rare disorder that causes a person's body to become rigid and temporarily unable to move. Causes of catalepsy may include Parkinson's disease or certain psychiatric disorders. The Greek root of catalepsy is katalepsis, "seizing or grasping," and when someone is in this state, they do seem to be seized by some invisible force: Their limbs become fixed in place, and the person enters a trancelike state. While often associated with nervous system disorders, catalepsy can also be a side effect of certain medications.

Related Words

• coma
• rapture
• reverie
• stupor
• unconsciousness