catalepsy
noun
cat·a·lep·sy ˈka-tə-ˌlep-sē 
plural catalepsies
: a trancelike state marked by loss of voluntary motion in which the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed
cataleptic
ˌka-tə-ˈlep-tik
adjective or noun cataleptically
ˌka-tə-ˈlep-ti-k(ə-)lē
adverb 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Raphael, the expedition guide, has a form of catalepsy and sleeps for decades at a time. 
Sara Wheeler, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2017
Sara Wheeler, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2017 Word History
Etymology
Middle English catalempsi, from Medieval Latin catalepsia, from Late Latin catalepsis, from Greek katalēpsis, literally, act of seizing, from katalambanein to seize, from kata- + lambanein to take — more at latch
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
catalepsy
noun
cat·a·lep·sy ˈkat-ᵊl-ˌep-sē
plural catalepsies
: a trancelike state of consciousness (as that occurring in catatonic schizophrenia) that is marked by a loss of voluntary motion and a fixed posture in which the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed compare waxy flexibility