epilepsy

noun

ep·​i·​lep·​sy ˈe-pə-ˌlep-sē 

plural epilepsies

: any of various disorders marked by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain and typically manifested by sudden brief episodes of altered or diminished consciousness, involuntary movements, or convulsions

Examples of epilepsy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In an October 2023 episode of The Kardashians, Khloé explained to viewers that Amari lives with a severe form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which requires him to use a wheelchair and receive round-the-clock care from his family. —Esther Kang, People.com, 26 May 2025

Researchers noted the positive effects of ecstatic epilepsy and synthesized fifty-three theoretical models of delusion. —Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 22 May 2025

These changes could affect future health and behavior Mapping these changes could open the door to understanding an array of other neurological and behavioral outcomes including postpartum depression, headaches, migraines, epilepsy, stroke and parental behavior. —Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 21 May 2025

Prisoners with tuberculosis, HIV, epilepsy, and diabetes have reportedly gone untreated for months. —Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English epilencie, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French epelempsie, modification of Late Latin epilepsia, from Greek epilēpsia, from epilambanein to seize, from epi- + lambanein to take, seize — more at latch

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing epilepsy

• anti-epilepsy
• grand mal epilepsy

Rhymes for epilepsy

• catalepsy
• narcolepsy

Kids Definition

epilepsy

noun

ep·​i·​lep·​sy ˈep-ə-ˌlep-sē 

: a disorder marked by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, by attacks of convulsions, and by loss of consciousness

Medical Definition

epilepsy

noun

ep·​i·​lep·​sy ˈep-ə-ˌlep-sē 

plural epilepsies

: any of various disorders marked by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain and typically manifested by sudden brief episodes of altered or diminished consciousness, involuntary movements, or convulsions see absence epilepsy, grand mal sense 1, petit mal sense 1 focal epilepsy, jacksonian epilepsy, myoclonic epilepsy, temporal lobe epilepsy