catalepsy

noun

cat·​a·​lep·​sy ˈka-tə-ˌlep-sē 

plural catalepsies

: a trancelike state marked by loss of voluntary motion in which the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed

cataleptic

ˌka-tə-ˈlep-tik 

adjective or noun

cataleptically

ˌka-tə-ˈlep-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of catalepsy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Raphael, the expedition guide, has a form of catalepsy and sleeps for decades at a time. —Sara Wheeler, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English catalempsi, from Medieval Latin catalepsia, from Late Latin catalepsis, from Greek katalēpsis, literally, act of seizing, from katalambanein to seize, from kata- + lambanein to take — more at latch

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

catalepsy

noun

cat·​a·​lep·​sy ˈkat-ᵊl-ˌep-sē 

: a condition in which there is a loss of movement and the arms and legs stay in any position in which they are placed

Medical Definition

catalepsy

noun

cat·​a·​lep·​sy ˈkat-ᵊl-ˌep-sē 

plural catalepsies

: a trancelike state of consciousness (as that occurring in catatonic schizophrenia) that is marked by a loss of voluntary motion and a fixed posture in which the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed compare waxy flexibility