apoplectic

[ ap-uh-plek-tik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to apoplexy or stroke.
2. having or inclined to apoplexy.
3. intense enough to threaten or cause apoplexy:

   an apoplectic rage.

4. extremely angry; furious:

   He became apoplectic at the mere mention of the subject.

noun

1. a person having or predisposed to apoplexy. apoplexy.

apoplectic

/ ˌæpəˈplɛktɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to apoplexy
2. informal.
   furious

noun

1. a person having apoplexy

Derived Forms

• ˌapoˈplectically, adverb

Other Words From

• apo·plecti·cal·ly adverb
• postap·o·plectic adjective
• pseudo·apo·plectic adjective
• pseudo·apo·plecti·cal adjective
• pseudo·apo·plecti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of apoplectic¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Late Latin apoplēcticus, from Greek apoplēktikós “pertaining to a (paralytic) stroke,” equivalent to apóplēkt(os) “struck down” (derivative of apoplḗssein ) + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

Democrats in Michigan — one of the states likely to determine which party wins the White House — were apoplectic.

From Los Angeles Times

She continued that by the time she got home she had been "apoplectic with rage”, and had been "crying all night” because of her experience.

From BBC

Republicans, already bent on “othering” him, were apoplectic.

From Los Angeles Times

Some took it as a pointed, and cheeky, callback to the apoplectic fits thrown by conservative pundits and other Republicans 10 years ago when President Obama showed up at a press conference in a suit of similar hue.

From Los Angeles Times

But people were downright apoplectic about the idea of Dobson leaving her cart unrestrained.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• frozen
• immobile
• inert
• lifeless
• paralyzed
• stagnant
• stationary
• steadfast