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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner
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catatonic

IPA:

How to pronounce catatonic (audio)

Dictionary definition of catatonic

Extreme and often disturbing physical and mental immobility or unresponsiveness.
"The patient was in a catatonic state after receiving a high dose of medication."

Detailed meaning of catatonic

When someone is described as catatonic, it suggests that they are in a condition where they exhibit a lack of voluntary movement, speech, or any meaningful interaction with their environment. This term is most commonly associated with certain psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, where individuals may enter catatonic states, remaining motionless for extended periods. Catatonia can also manifest as repetitive, purposeless movements or unusual, rigid postures. It reflects a severe disruption in a person's ability to engage with the world around them, often necessitating medical or psychiatric intervention. In essence, "catatonic" underscores the extreme and disconcerting nature of the mental and physical state it describes, where individuals seem trapped in a state of nonresponsiveness or bizarre motor behaviors.

Example sentences containing catatonic

1. The patient's catatonic state puzzled the medical team, as they struggled to understand the underlying cause.
2. After the shock, he remained in a catatonic daze, unable to respond to anyone around him.
3. The movie depicted a chilling scene where the character stared into space, appearing almost catatonic.
4. Her catatonic behavior was a result of extreme anxiety and stress.
5. The catatonic expression on his face revealed the deep trauma he had experienced.
6. The therapist worked diligently to help the catatonic patient regain control of her movements.

History and etymology of catatonic

The adjective 'catatonic' has its etymological roots in the field of psychiatry and is related to the medical term 'catatonia.' 'Catatonia' was first coined in the late 19th century, combining the Greek words 'kata' (meaning 'down') and 'tonos' (meaning 'tension'). 'Catatonic' describes a state of extreme and often disturbing physical and mental immobility or unresponsiveness. It is typically associated with severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, where individuals may exhibit symptoms like stupor, rigidity, and an inability to move or respond to stimuli. The term 'catatonic' reflects the medical and psychological understanding of these debilitating conditions and emphasizes the profound and often unsettling nature of the immobility and lack of responsiveness observed in affected individuals.

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Further usage examples of catatonic

1. The character's catatonic silence added an eerie atmosphere to the horror story.
2. The psychiatrist used a combination of therapy and medication to treat the catatonic patient.
3. In his catatonic state, he seemed completely detached from reality.
4. The catatonic man's blank gaze made it difficult to gauge his emotions.
5. The medical breakthrough allowed doctors to better understand and treat catatonic conditions.
6. The catatonic episode was triggered by an overwhelming sensory experience.
7. The family rallied together to support their catatonic loved one through the recovery process.
8. The artist's catatonic painting style reflected a sense of inner turmoil.
9. Her catatonic episodes were characterized by prolonged periods of immobility.
10. The catatonic patient slowly began to show signs of improvement with therapy.
11. The documentary shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living with catatonic disorders.
12. His catatonic posture mirrored the statue's frozen stance, capturing a moment of introspection.
13. The psychologist utilized music therapy to engage the catatonic patient's emotions.
14. The character's sudden catatonic state left the audience in suspense, wondering what would happen next.

Apathy and Indifference, Anguish and Despair, Ailments and Ill-Health

comatose,inert

insensible,lifeless,motionless,numb,paralyzed,unreactive,unresponsive

inert, active, animated, responsive

eb68db_ab568206311841a383933b3e373d9be2.mp3

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