syncope

noun

syn·​co·​pe ˈsiŋ-kə-(ˌ)pē How to pronounce syncope (audio)
ˈsin-
1
: loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain : faint
2
: the loss of one or more sounds or letters in the interior of a word (as in fo'c'sle for forecastle)
syncopal adjective

Examples of syncope in a Sentence

syncope has been reported in a small percentage of patients taking the drug
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Redford, the host and producer of his weekly podcast, Vet Life, added heart disease and heart arrhythmias—where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm—can also cause syncope. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025 About 40% of adults will experience vasovagal syncope in their lifetime. Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 June 2025 In severe cases, a loss of consciousness (syncope) may occur. Alicen Nelson Md, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 2025 Common triggers include dehydration from illness, vasovagal syncope—a reflex response to nausea or pain—abnormal heart rhythms, and heart valve conditions such as aortic stenosis. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for syncope

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek synkopē, literally, cutting short, from synkoptein to cut short, from syn- + koptein to cut — more at capon

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of syncope was circa 1550

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Cite this Entry

“Syncope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syncope. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

syncope

noun
syn·​co·​pe ˈsiŋ-kə-(ˌ)pē How to pronounce syncope (audio)
ˈsin-
1
2
: the loss of one or more sounds or letters in the middle of a word (as in fo'c'sle for forecastle)

Medical Definition

syncope

noun
syn·​co·​pe ˈsiŋ-kə-pē, ˈsin- How to pronounce syncope (audio)
: loss of consciousness resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain : faint

More from Merriam-Webster on syncope

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