cataleptic
1
9.9
A person who becomes very stiff and unresponsive
- noun
- /ˌkætəˈlɛptɪk/
- Specialized
:
cataleptico
- During the episode, the cataleptic remained unresponsive for several minutes.
Examples
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The doctor observed the cataleptic in a rigid, motionless state.
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Many cataleptics experience a profound loss of sensation.
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A support group was formed for families of cataleptics.
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The cataleptic patient lay still for hours.
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The doctor observed the cataleptic lying motionless on the examination table.
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During the treatment, the cataleptic showed no signs of awareness or movement.
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Support services are available for families caring for cataleptics who require constant attention.
Surface Forms
cataleptic singular
cataleptics plural
Etymology
The word cataleptic comes from Greek roots kata- ('down') and lambanein ('to take' or 'seize'), giving the idea of being 'seized down'. So a cataleptic is a person who is suddenly fixed in a rigid, unresponsive state.