apoplexy

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noun ap·o·plexy \ˈa-pə-ˌplek-sē\

Definition of apoplexy

1 medical a dated : stroke 5 The medical evidence showed conclusively that death was due to apoplexy. — Arthur Conan Doyleb : gross hemorrhage into a cavity or into the substance of an organ pituitary apoplexy
2 : a state of intense and almost uncontrollable anger … he had irritated his superior into apoplexy … — Kevin Patterson … this latest attraction has sparked apoplexy among some environmentalists. — Jayne Clark

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Examples of apoplexy in a Sentence

Her speech caused apoplexy among the audience members.

Origin and Etymology of apoplexy

Middle English apoplexie, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin apoplexia, from Greek apoplēxia, from apoplēssein to cripple by a stroke, from apo- + plēssein to strike — more at plaint

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

Medical Dictionary

apoplexy

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noun ap·o·plexy \ˈap-ə-ˌplek-sē\

Medical Definition of apoplexy

plural

apoplexies

1dated : stroke In apoplexy or “stroke” … an artery in the brain either ruptures and bleeds or is blocked.—Morris Fishbein, The Modern Family Health Guide, 1959
2: copious hemorrhage into a cavity or into the substance of an organ abdominal apoplexy adrenal apoplexy