Main Entry: cat·a·lep·sy

Pronunciation: \ˈka-tə-ˌlep-sē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural cat·a·lep·sies

Etymology: Middle English catalempsi, from Medieval Latin catalepsia, from Late Latin catalepsis, from Greek katalēpsis, literally, act of seizing, from katalambanein to seize, from kata- + lambanein to take — more at latch

Date: 14th century

: a trancelike state marked by loss of voluntary motion in which the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed

— cat·a·lep·tic \ˌka-tə-ˈlep-tik\ adjective or noun

— cat·a·lep·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb