cataplexy

1 9.9

A sudden short loss of muscle control during strong feelings like laughter or surprise

noun
/ˈkætəˌplɛksi/

Specialized

: cataplexia

Narcoleptic cataplexy.

Examples

- No, that's cataplexy.

Bandits (2001)
He experienced cataplexy when he burst out laughing at the joke, causing him to suddenly collapse.
But now let's talk briefly about Cataplexy, a narcoleptic.
After receiving surprising news, she fell into a brief episode of cataplexy, losing all muscle control.
In moments of joy, his cataplexy could be triggered, leaving him briefly unable to stand.

Surface Forms

cataplexy singular

cataplexies plural

Morphology

cataplexy = cata + plexy

Formed from Greek combining elements ('cata-' + '-plexy') that are medical/technical and not transparently meaningful to an average B1 learner, so the meaning cannot be reliably derived from the parts.

Etymology

Cataplexy comes from Greek parts kata- meaning 'down' and -plexy meaning 'a striking', like the older word apoplexy, which gives the image of being 'struck down'. So, cataplexy describes a sudden, brief loss of muscle control often caused by strong feelings such as laughter or surprise.