ˈkad.əˌpleksē noun
( -es )
Etymology: German kataplexie, modification of Greek kataplēxis fixation (of the eyes), from kataplēssein to strike down, terrify, from kata- cata- + plēssein to strike — more at plaint
: sudden loss of muscle power in animals and man following a strong emotional stimulus (as fright, anger, or shock) characterized by clear consciousness but loss of muscular control and in animals sometimes associated with narcolepsy