Definition

In a state where a person is unable to move or respond, often resembling a trance or deep sleep.

Example

She lay cataleptically on the floor, unresponsive to the world around her.

Conversation

Did you see how she stood there cataleptically?

Yeah, it was a bit strange, wasn't it?

I wonder what caused her to freeze like that.

Maybe she was just lost in thought or something.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cataleptically → It is formed from "cata-" (from Greek "kata", meaning down or against) and "lepsis" (from Greek "lepsis", meaning seizure or taking). The word describes a state of being in which a person is in a trance-like condition, as if seized by a force, often associated with a lack of response to external stimuli.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'seized' ('lepsis') in a state that feels 'down' or unresponsive ('cata-'). This helps you remember that 'cataleptically' refers to a trance-like state where one is unresponsive.

Visually Confused Words