chronic traumatic encephalopathy

noun

: a progressive neurological disease that is found especially in athletes (such as boxers, wrestlers, or football players) who have experienced repetitive, mild injury to the brain and that is characterized by short-term memory loss, concentration deficits, confusion, depression, behavioral and personality changes (such as an increase in irritability, impulsivity, or aggression), speech and gait abnormalities, parkinsonism, and dementia
abbreviation CTE

called also dementia pugilistica, punch-drunk syndrome

Note: The neurological deterioration of chronic traumatic encephalopathy is accompanied by atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes and accumulation of tau protein in neurofibrillary tangles.

Examples of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Medical insurance that includes long-term coverage for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), mental health support, Title IX compliance, and even post-career transition programs are emerging as major priorities. Jim Martin, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025 Authorities found a note in Tamura’s wallet that, according to The New York Times, criticized the NFL for concealing the sport’s safety issues, particularly regarding chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025 Adams added that Tamura alluded to suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, better known as CTE. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025 The shooting thrust a sensitive topic — chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE — into the spotlight just days before preseason games begin, along with a uniquely American problem. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for chronic traumatic encephalopathy

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chronic traumatic encephalopathy was in 1957

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic traumatic encephalopathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronic%20traumatic%20encephalopathy. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

chronic traumatic encephalopathy

noun
: a progressive neurological disease that is found especially in athletes (as boxers, wrestlers, or football players) who have experienced repetitive, typically minor injury (as concussion) to the brain and is characterized by short-term memory loss, concentration deficits, confusion, depression, behavioral and personality changes (such as an increase in irritability, impulsivity, or aggression), speech and gait abnormalities, parkinsonism, and dementia
abbreviation CTE

called also dementia pugilistica, punch-drunk syndrome

Note: The neurological deterioration of chronic traumatic encephalopathy is accompanied by atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes and accumulation of tau protein in neurofibrillary tangles.

… it is only in the past decade that scientists have identified the problem in American football players. They have also been able to identify, on autopsy, pathological markers for the disease, now called chronic traumatic encephalopathyJeffrey Bartholet, Scientific American
[Dr. Robert] Cantu said that symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy include depression and erratic behavior, but he declined to speculate on any role the condition played in Benoit's final violent acts.Alan Schwarz, The New York Times
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