Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “cataplexy” come from?

Cataplexy comes from Ancient Greek κατάπληξις, denoting a state of being struck down or overwhelmed by shock or amazement.

cataplexy (English): An abrupt loss of muscle tone, sometimes...

Definitions

  1. An abrupt loss of muscle tone, sometimes...

Ancestry of “cataplexy”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1GermanKataplexie—
2Ancient Greekκατάπληξις—
3Ancient Greekκαταπλήσσω—
4Ancient Greekκᾰτᾰ-fully; down; denoting motion downwards
5Ancient Greekκατά
6Ancient Greekκαταστερίζωto place among the stars; I put among the stars
7Ancient Greekἀστήρa celestial body; illustrious person; starfish
8Proto-Hellenicastḗrstar
9Proto-Indo-Europeanh₂stḗrstar
10Proto-Indo-Europeanh₂eHs-to be/become dry; to burn, to glow; hearth

Words derived from “cataplexy”

  • cataplexic
Every word from Proto-Indo-European h₂eHs- →