grand mal

noun

ˈgrän(d)-ˌmäl 

ˈgräⁿ-ˌmäl,

-ˌmal;

ˈgran(d)-ˌmal 

1

or grand mal epilepsy : severe epilepsy characterized by seizures in which there is an abrupt loss of consciousness with initially prolonged tonic muscle contractions followed by clonic muscle spasms

2

or grand mal seizure : a seizure marked by abrupt loss of consciousness with initially prolonged tonic muscle contractions followed by clonic muscle spasms

Examples of grand mal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our very elderly diabetic dog, Spartacus, had had a grand mal seizure on our bed. —Molly Jong-Fast june 3, Literary Hub, 3 June 2025

What starts to come into view is that Laura had a daughter who looks suspiciously like Piper, and that perhaps Laura has tried this trick before on Oliver, who can’t leave the premises without having a grand mal seizure. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 May 2025

Then, in 2014, Leah had her first seizure in school, a grand mal, or tonic clonic seizure. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025

The person having a grand mal seizure may fall to the ground, have abnormal movements, cry out, or even become unconscious. —Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 19 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, great illness

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for grand mal

• canal
• chorale
• corral
• ghazal
• locale
• morale
• royale
• bal
• dal
• gal
• pal
• sal

Medical Definition

grand mal

noun

ˈgrän(d)-ˌmäl  ˈgräⁿ-ˌmäl 

-ˌmal; ˈgran(d)-ˌmal

1

or grand mal epilepsy : severe epilepsy characterized by tonic-clonic seizures : tonic-clonic epilepsy

2

or grand mal seizure : a tonic-clonic seizure

She estimates having had about 25 grand mals and 100 smaller-scale seizures since.

—Cicero A. Estrella, San Francisco Chronicle