-lepsy
suffix
UK/ˈlep.si/US/ˈlep.si/
Used to form nouns referring to conditions involving seizures or sudden attacks (from Greek ‘lêpsis,’ meaning ‘a taking, seizing’). Examples include ‘epilepsy’ (a disorder characterized by recurring seizures) and ‘narcolepsy’ (a condition marked by sudden, uncontrollable episodes of sleep).
Example Sentences
Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological disorders, manifests through recurring seizures and can vary widely in severity and frequency.
Narcolepsy disrupts normal sleep-wake cycles, leading to overwhelming daytime drowsiness and uncontrollable sleep episodes.
The suffix '-lepsy' pinpoints a sudden and involuntary occurrence, enabling medical professionals to classify related conditions succinctly.
Patients with cataplexy, often linked to narcolepsy, can experience sudden muscle weakness triggered by strong emotions like laughter or surprise.
Scientists research the underlying biological factors of each '-lepsy' disorder to devise more targeted treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Public awareness campaigns aim to reduce the stigma around epilepsy, emphasizing that these conditions can be managed with medication and lifestyle adaptations.
Narcolepsy may present alongside vivid hallucinations or sleep paralysis, adding complexity to the overall diagnosis and treatment plan for affected individuals in clinical practice and everyday life situations.
Despite the challenges posed by '-lepsy' disorders, many patients lead fulfilling lives once their condition is identified, monitored, and managed with the support of healthcare providers, family, and the broader community.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix meaning 'seizure' or 'attack' in medical terminology.The suffix '-lepsy' is used in medical terms to refer to conditions characterized by seizures or sudden attacks. Examples include 'epilepsy' (a neurological disorder marked by recurrent seizures), 'narcolepsy' (a condition causing sudden, uncontrollable sleep attacks), and 'catalepsy' (a trance-like state or muscular rigidity). It is typically used in the context of disorders that involve sudden and involuntary physical reactions.
Alternatives
Alternatives to '-lepsy' could include phrases like 'seizure disorder' or 'condition causing attacks,' but '-lepsy' is the standard and concise suffix for such medical conditions.
Writing
In writing, '-lepsy' is used in medical, psychological, or scientific texts to describe specific conditions involving seizures or attacks. For instance, 'epilepsy' clearly refers to a well-known neurological condition.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-lepsy' is typically used in the context of 'epilepsy' or 'narcolepsy,' but is not often encountered in other discussions unless talking about specific medical conditions.