n.
Pronunciation: ' ka-t ə - ˌ plek-s ē
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -plex · ies \ -s ē z \
Etymology: German Kataplexie, from Greek katapl ē xis, from katapl ē ssein to strike down, terrify, from kata- + pl ē ssein to strike ― more at PLAINT
Date: 1883
: sudden loss of muscle power following a strong emotional stimulus