Etymology

Old English poplexye, LL. poplexia, apoplexia, from Gr. ἀποπληξία (apoplēxia), from ἀποπλήσσειν (apoplēssein) to cripple by a stroke; ἀπό (apo) from + πλήσσειν (plēssein) to strike: compare with French apoplexie. See Plague.

Noun

1. Sudden diminution or loss of consciousness, sensation, and voluntary motion, usually caused by pressure on the brain.

Usage notes

The term is now usually limited to cerebral apoplexy, or loss of consciousness due to effusion of blood or other lesion within the substance of the brain; but it is sometimes extended to denote an effusion of blood into the substance of any organ; as, apoplexy of the lung.