Cataleptic

/ˌkætəˈleptɪk/

adjective

Relating to or caused by catalepsy, a condition that makes someone unable to move their body, stay still, and not react to things around them.

The patient's cataleptic state made it impossible for him to respond to any external stimuli.

Formal

Technical

Definition 1 of 2

Pro Tip 1/3

Use 'cataleptic' in medical discussions about patients with specific immobile conditions.

Doctors examined her cataleptic posture for signs of improvement.

Pro Tip 2/3

Avoid using 'cataleptic' to describe normal stillness or inactivity; it refers to a medical state.

Despite his stillness, he wasn't cataleptic, just deep in thought.

Pro Tip 3/3

'Cataleptic' is formal and serious, fitting for medical or academic contexts, not casual conversations.

The neurologist presented a case of cataleptic paralysis.

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