Cataleptic: meaning, definitions and examples

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cataleptic

 

[ kætəˈlɛptɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

medical condition

Cataleptic refers to a state characterized by a trance or seizure with a loss of sensation and consciousness, accompanied by rigidity of the body. This condition can lead to a person remaining immobile for extended periods while appearing to be awake or in a daze. It is often associated with particular neurological disorders, including epilepsy or severe mental health conditions. The person may exhibit a stiff posture and may not respond to external stimuli. Treatment may involve various therapeutic approaches, depending on the underlying cause.

Synonyms

frozen, immobile, rigid, trance-like

Examples of usage

  • The patient entered a cataleptic state during the examination.
  • After the episode, she felt confused but was not aware of her cataleptic experience.
  • He was diagnosed with a cataleptic condition that required monitoring.
  • The artist depicted a cataleptic moment in her painting.

Translations

Translations of the word "cataleptic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cataleptico

🇮🇳 कैटलेप्टिक

🇩🇪 kataleptisch

🇮🇩 kataleptik

🇺🇦 каталептичний

🇵🇱 kataleptyczny

🇯🇵 カタレプティック

🇫🇷 cataleptique

🇪🇸 cataleptico

🇹🇷 kataleptik

🇰🇷 카탈렙틱

🇸🇦 كاتاليبتيك

🇨🇿 kataleptický

🇸🇰 kataleptický

🇨🇳 强直性

🇸🇮 kataleptičen

🇮🇸 kataleptískur

🇰🇿 каталептик

🇬🇪 კატალეპტიური

🇦🇿 kataleptik

🇲🇽 cataleptico

Etymology

The term 'cataleptic' originates from the late Latin word 'catalepsis', which means 'seizure' or 'a taking hold of.' This Latin term is derived from the Greek word 'kataleptikos', which means 'able to seize' or 'capable of being seized,' from 'kataleptos', the past participle of 'katalambanein,' meaning 'to seize or catch hold of.' The concept has been associated with various clinical observations since ancient times, especially in the context of seizures and altered states of consciousness. In the 19th century, the understanding of catalepsy expanded, particularly in relation to psychological and neurological studies. Over time, it became a recognized term in medical literature, primarily within psychiatry and neurology, describing a specific symptomatic state that is relevant in the diagnosis and treatment of certain medical conditions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,279, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.