apoplexy
UK[ˈæp.ə.plek.si]US[ˈæp.ə.plek.si]
n
a medical condition marked by the sudden loss of consciousness and movement, often caused by a stroke or cerebral hemorrhage.
n
(informal) a state of extreme anger or rage.
Morpheme Breakdown
apo
plex
y
apo
away
plex
strike
y
noun suffix
Etymology
the word apoplexy has a direct lineage from ancient greek, entering english via latin and old french. it originates from the greek term 'apoplēxia', which is a compound of the prefix 'apo-' (away) and the root from 'plēssein' (to strike). the literal meaning, "a striking away," vividly described the sudden, violent onset of the condition, where a person was perceived as being struck down. over centuries, this precise medical term for a cerebral event broadened in informal usage to metaphorically describe being "struck" by an overwhelming emotion, such as fury.
Analysis
Structure: apo (away) + plex (strike) + y (noun suffix)
- apo: from greek, a prefix meaning "away, off, from."
- plex: from greek, a root derived from 'plēssein' meaning "to strike."
- y: a noun-forming suffix of greek origin, indicating a state or condition.
Examples
the patient was diagnosed with apoplexy after collapsing suddenly.
the news of the betrayal sent him into an apoplexy.
in historical texts, apoplexy was a common cause of death before modern neurology.