catalepsy

or cat·a·lep·sis

[ kat-l-ep-see ]

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.

catalepsy

/ ˈkætəˌlɛpsɪ /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˌcataˈleptic, adjective

Other Words From

• cata·leptic adjective noun
• cata·lepti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of catalepsy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of catalepsy¹

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

Example Sentences

Dr. Coleridge "considered it to be a contagious nervous disease, the acme or intensest form of which is catalepsy."

From Project Gutenberg

But even as he spoke he stiffened as a man suddenly struck with catalepsy.

From Project Gutenberg

Other critics have tried to explain the Prophet's actions by some kind of a catalepsy, from which, they claim, he suffered.

From Project Gutenberg

Filled with a vague fear, he tried to waken his wife, but she was like one in a state of catalepsy.

From Project Gutenberg

Undoubtedly it was a case of catalepsy, and Enistor felt curious to see the man who had been so nearly buried alive.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• coma
• rapture
• reverie
• stupor
• unconsciousness