grand mal

American  

[gran mahl, -mal, grand, grahn mal] / ˈgræn ˈmɑl, -ˈmæl, ˈgrænd, grɑ̃ ˈmal /

noun

Pathology.

1. epilepsy

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grand mal British  

/ ɡrɒn mæl, ɡrɑ̃ mal /

noun

1. a form of epilepsy characterized by loss of consciousness for up to five minutes and violent convulsions Compare petit mal

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Etymology

Origin of grand mal

1875–80; < French: great ailment, epilepsy

Compare meaning

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

• grand mal vs. petit mal

Example Sentences

Brooke Shields reveals that she had a grand mal seizure in September — and that Bradley Cooper was by her side as she was taken to the hospital.

From Los Angeles Times

Brooke Shields revealed that she had a grand mal seizure in September, just days before the debut of her cabaret show in New York City.

From Los Angeles Times

Rosales suffers from grand mal seizures; her mother has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

From Seattle Times

At first, the neuropsychiatrist was "jarred" by the sight of a grand mal seizure.

From Salon

My father had suffered a grand mal seizure and was placed in a medically induced coma.

From New York Times