catalepsy

or cat·a·lep·sis

[kat-l-ep-see]

noun Pathology, Psychiatry.

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.

Nearby words

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

Related formscat·a·lep·tic, adjective, nouncat·a·lep·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cataleptic

The following information will help you to understand why you were unable to complete this cataleptic test.
A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis|Melvin Powers
The next stage of hypnosis is known as the cataleptic state and is referred to as the "medium" state.
A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis|Melvin Powers
In the cataleptic subject there is a close relation between the attitude the subject assumes and the intellectual manifestation.
Complete Hypnotism: Mesmerism, Mind-Reading and Spiritualism|A. Alpheus
He has been for some years a victim to cataleptic attacks, on which, as is well known, Dr. Trevelyan is an authority.
Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes|Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The cataleptic spasm which preceded the reverie and somnambulation in the patient, whose case is related in Sect.
Zoonomia, Vol. II|Erasmus Darwin

British Dictionary definitions for cataleptic

catalepsy

noun

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

Derived Formscataleptic, adjective

Word Origin for catalepsy

C16: from Medieval Latin catalēpsia, variant of Late Latin catalēpsis, from Greek katalēpsis, literally: a seizing, from katalambanein to hold down, from kata- down + lambanein to grasp

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

Word Origin and History for cataleptic

cataleptic

adj.

1680s, from Late Latin catalepticus, from Greek kataleptikos, from kataleptos (see catalepsy). The noun meaning "one affected by catalepsy" is from 1851.

catalepsy

late 14c., cathalempsia, from Medieval Latin catalepsia, from Late Latin catalepsis, from Greek katalepsis "a seizure, a seizing upon, a taking possession," from kataleptos "seized," from katalambanein "to seize upon," from kata- "down" (see cata-) + lambanein "to take" (see analemma).

Medicine definitions for cataleptic

catalepsy

[kăt′l-ĕp′sē]

n.

A condition that occurs in a variety of physical and psychological disorders and is characterized by lack of response to external stimuli and by muscular rigidity, so that the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed.

Related formscat′a•lep′tic (kăt′l-ĕp′tĭk) adj.cat′a•lep′toid′ adj.