catalepsy
noun
cat·a·lep·sy
ˈka-tə-ˌlep-sē 
plural catalepsies
: a trancelike state marked by loss of voluntary motion in which the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed
Examples of catalepsy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Raphael, the expedition guide, has a form of catalepsy and sleeps for decades at a time.
—
Sara Wheeler, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sara Wheeler, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Catalepsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalepsy. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
catalepsy
noun
cat·a·lep·sy
ˈkat-ᵊl-ˌep-sē
: a condition in which there is a loss of movement and the arms and legs stay in any position in which they are placed
Medical Definition
catalepsy
noun
cat·a·lep·sy
ˈkat-ᵊl-ˌep-sē
plural catalepsies
: a trancelike state of consciousness (as that occurring in catatonic schizophrenia) that is marked by a loss of voluntary motion and a fixed posture in which the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed compare waxy flexibility
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share