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 era when many A-list veterans keep adding layers — orchestras, backing tracks, costume changes, guest appearances, enough visual stimulation to warrant warnings to fans with photosensitive epilepsy — Sting has gone the opposite direction. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026

Along with epilepsy, Benjamin also has cerebral palsy, cortical visual impairment and severe vision impairment caused by underdeveloped optic nerves and malformations in the visual centers of his brain. —Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026

Michele Gregory and her husband both care full time for their 31-year-old son, Nick, who has a rare and severe form of epilepsy and profound developmental disabilities, requiring continuous supervision. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 15 May 2026

People with diabetes, epilepsy, heart rhythm concerns, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or hyperthyroidism need to talk with their doctor before taking them. —Kara Smythe, EverydayHealth.com, 15 May 2026

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