/ˌkætəˈlɛpsɪs/ KAT-ə-LEP-sis

Definitions

1. noun

A trance-like state in which a person becomes rigid and insensitive to pain, often induced by suggestion or hypnotism

“The doctor induced a state of catalepsis in the patient to perform the delicate surgery.”

2. noun

A psychological phenomenon in which a person’s mental faculties become suspended, often resulting in a state of trance or stupor

“The patient’s catalepsis lasted for several hours before the doctor was able to revive her.”