apoplexy

Pronunciation: /ˈæp.əˌplɛk.si/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a sudden loss of consciousness resulting when the rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel leads to oxygen lack in the brain

Etymology

Late Middle English from Old French apoplexie, from Late Latin apoplexia, from Ancient Greek ἀποπληξία (apoplēxía, “madness; apoplexy, paralysis”), from ἀποπλήσσω (apoplḗssō, “to cripple by a stroke”) + -ία (-ía, nominal suffix). See plague.

In classic literature

Synonyms

stroke, cerebrovascular accident, CVA

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
attack
Narrower (hyponyms)
ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke

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