Definition

A temporary loss of consciousness due to a lack of blood flow to the brain, often resulting in fainting or swooning.

Example

After standing up too quickly, she experienced a brief syncope and had to sit down.

Conversation

I heard that you fainted during the game yesterday.

Yeah, it was really embarrassing; I experienced a brief syncope.

Wow, that sounds scary! What happened?

I think I just didn't drink enough water; it was really hot outside.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Syncope → It is formed from "syn-" (meaning together) and "kope" (from Greek "kopē", meaning cutting). The word refers to the cutting off of sounds or syllables in speech, hence the term for a linguistic phenomenon where sounds are omitted.

Memory Tip

Think of 'together' ('syn-') and 'cutting' ('kope') to remember that syncope refers to the cutting off of sounds in speech.

Visually Confused Words