-lepsy

1. a combining form meaning “seizure,” used in the formation of compound words.

   epilepsy.

-lepsy

combining form

1. indicating a seizure or attack

   catalepsy

Other Word Forms

• -leptic combining form

Word History and Origins

Origin of -lepsy¹

Combining form representing New Latin -lēpsia < Greek -lēpsia, equivalent to lêps ( is ) a seizure ( lēp- variant stem of lambánein to seize + -sis -sis ) + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of -lepsy¹

from New Latin -lepsia, from Greek, from lēpsis a seizure, from lambanein to seize

When To Use

What does -lepsy mean?

The combining form -lepsy is used like a suffix meaning “seizure.” It is sometimes used in medical terms.The form -lepsy is based on the Greek lêpsis, meaning “seizure, grasping” and formed from the verb lambánein, “to seize.” This verb also helped form the Greek word epilēpsía, ultimate source of the English epilepsy.