eclampsia

noun

eclamp·​sia i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə 

: a convulsive state

especially : an attack of convulsions during pregnancy or childbirth

eclamptic

i-ˈklam(p)-tik 

adjective

Examples of eclampsia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bowie’s autopsy said that some of the potential factors in her death included complications from respiratory distress and eclampsia, a severe form of preeclampsia. —Tina Sturdevant, New York Times, 10 May 2026

After numerous bumps along the way while pregnant, including developing a subchorionic haemorrhage and pre-eclampsia, doctors recommended Maddicyn terminate her pregnancy. —Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026

The cast and crew are shooting the season-two finale’s big trauma scene, an emergency C-section performed on a woman with no history of prenatal care who has spiraled into eclampsia. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026

Midwives generally recommend hospital births for high-risk patients, such as those carrying twins, those with pre-eclampsia, or when a baby is breech (head up instead of down). —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Greek éklampsis "violent onset, sudden development" (from eklámpein "to shine out, burst forth violently"—from ek- ec- + lámpein "to give light, shine"— + -sis -sis) + New Latin -ia -ia entry 1 — more at lamp

Note: In reference to a complication of pregnancy, short for New Latin eclampsia parturientium "convulsions of those giving birth."

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for eclampsia

• preeclampsia

Medical Definition

eclampsia

noun

ec·​lamp·​sia i-ˈklam(p)-sē-ə, e- 

: a convulsive state : an attack of convulsions: as

a

: convulsions or coma late in pregnancy in an individual affected with preeclampsia compare toxemia of pregnancy

b

: a condition comparable to milk fever of cows occurring in domestic animals (as dogs and cats)

eclamptic

i-ˈklam(p)-tik, e- 

adjective