catalepsy (redirected from catalepsies)

cat·a·lep·sy  (ktl-ps)

n. pl. cat·a·lep·sies

A condition characterized by lack of response to external stimuli and by muscular rigidity, so that the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed. It is known to occur in a variety of physical and psychological disorders, such as epilepsy and schizophrenia, and can be induced by hypnosis.

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[Middle English catalempsi, from Late Latin catalmpsia, from Greek katalpsis, from katalambanein, to seize upon : kata-, intensive pref.; see cata- + lambanein, lp-, to seize.]

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cata·leptic (ktl-ptk) adj.

cata·lepti·cal·ly adv.

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catalepsy

Noun

a trancelike state in which the body is rigid [Greek katalēpsis a seizing]

cataleptic adj

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catalepsy

Pathology, Psychiatry. a physical condition characterized by a loss of sensation, muscular rigidity, flxity of posture, and often by a loss of contact with surroundings. Also catalepsis. — cataleptic, adj.

See also: Disease and Illness

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

catalepsy - a trancelike state with loss of voluntary motion and failure to react to stimuli hypersomnia - an inability to stay awake