syncope

noun

syn·​co·​pe ˈsiŋ-kə-(ˌ)pē 

ˈsin-

1

: loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain : faint

2

: the loss of one or more sounds or letters in the interior of a word (as in fo'c'sle for forecastle)

syncopal

ˈsiŋ-kə-pəl 

ˈsin-

adjective

Synonyms

• blackout
• faint
• insensibility
• knockout
• swim
• swoon

Examples of syncope in a Sentence

syncope has been reported in a small percentage of patients taking the drug

Recent Examples on the Web

Fainting, known medically as syncope, is a common enough problem caused by diminished blood flow to the brain. —Lisa Sanders, M.d., New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025

Symptoms: Fainting in short durations Dizziness light-headedness from standing too long or suddenly sitting up People experiencing heat syncope should sit in a cool place and slowly drink water, clear juice or a sports drink. —Shamani Salahuddin, The Tennessean, 26 June 2024

Heat Syncope Fainting, or syncope, occurs when someone stands for too long or stands up suddenly after sitting or lying down. —Shamani Salahuddin, The Tennessean, 26 June 2024

The Mayo Clinic explains that vasovagal syncope causes a person's body to overreact to certain triggers, which in turn makes their heart rate or blood pressure drop suddenly. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek synkopē, literally, cutting short, from synkoptein to cut short, from syn- + koptein to cut — more at capon

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

syncope

noun

syn·​co·​pe ˈsiŋ-kə-(ˌ)pē 

ˈsin-

1

: faint entry 3, swoon entry 2 sense 1

2

: the loss of one or more sounds or letters in the middle of a word (as in fo'c'sle for forecastle)

Medical Definition

syncope

noun

syn·​co·​pe ˈsiŋ-kə-pē, ˈsin- 

: loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain : faint