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Definition of catatonia

catatonia

/ˌkæt.əˈtoʊ.ni.ə/
cat · a · to · ni · a
Adverb:catatonically
•
Plural:catatonias
•
Adjective:catatonic
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catatonia Lexical Profile

catatonia Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with schizophrenia, mood disorders, or medical conditions, characterized by marked abnormalities in motor behavior such as stupor, muscular rigidity, mutism, or purposeless agitation.

Example

"The patient's severe catatonia responded rapidly to targeted pharmacological treatment in the hospital."

2

A state of extreme unresponsiveness, apathy, or physical immobility caused by shock, exhaustion, or boredom.

Example

"After three consecutive nights without sleep, he sank into a state of near catatonia on the sofa."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for catatonia

• Nearby Words

catastrophic
catastrophically
catastrophize
catatonia
catatonic
catbird
catcall

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1874 by German psychiatrist Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum as Katatonie, from Ancient Greek kata- ('down') and tonos ('tone, tension'), referring to the abnormal muscular tension and rigidity characteristic of the condition.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Catatonia. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/catatonia
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