cataplexy
[kat-uh-plek-see]
- Pathology. a condition characterized by sudden, brief attacks of muscle weakness sometimes causing the body to fall helplessly, that is usually triggered by strong emotion: often associated with narcolepsy.
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Origin of cataplexy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
cataplexy
- sudden temporary paralysis, brought on by severe shock
- a state of complete absence of movement assumed by animals while shamming death
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Word Origin
C19: from Greek kataplēxis amazement, from kataplēssein to strike down (with amazement), confound, from kata- down + plēssein to strike
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for cataplexy
n.
"the state of an animal when it is feigning death," 1883, from German kataplexie, from Greek kataplexis "stupefaction, amazement, consternation," from kataplessein "to strike down" (with fear, etc.), from kata- "down" (see cata-) + plessein "to strike, hit," from PIE *plak- (2) "to strike" (see plague (n.)). Related: Cataplectic.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
cataplexy
(kăt′ə-plĕk′sē)- A sudden loss of muscle tone and strength, usually caused by an intense emotional stimulus.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.