epileptic

adjective

ep·​i·​lep·​tic ˌe-pə-ˈlep-tik How to pronounce epileptic (audio)
: relating to, affected with, or having the characteristics of epilepsy
an epileptic seizure
epileptic noun
epileptically
ˌe-pə-ˈlep-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce epileptic (audio)
adverb

Examples of epileptic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Curtis suffered from severe epileptic seizures, both on stage and off. — Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 3 May 2026 Struggling with her mental health as well as epileptic seizures, Jessie has trouble holding down a job and isolates herself in her mother’s rural home. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026 This low-carb, high-fat diet, which was originally developed to help children with epileptic seizures, has been touted for weight loss, appetite control, and mental clarity. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2026 Torres went on to say that Valentina may develop scoliosis, epileptic seizures and breathing difficulties. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for epileptic

Word History

First Known Use

1572, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epileptic was in 1572

Phrases Containing epileptic

Rhymes for epileptic

See All Rhymes for epileptic

Browse Nearby Words

epilept-
epileptic
epileptiform
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Epileptic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epileptic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

epileptic

1 of 2 adjective
ep·​i·​lep·​tic
ˌep-ə-ˈlep-tik
: of, relating to, or having epilepsy
an epileptic seizure

epileptic

2 of 2 noun
: a person who has epilepsy

Medical Definition

epileptic

1 of 2 adjective
ep·​i·​lep·​tic ˌep-ə-ˈlep-tik How to pronounce epileptic (audio)
: relating to, affected with, or having the characteristics of epilepsy
epileptically
-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce epileptic (audio)
adverb

epileptic

2 of 2 noun
: one affected with epilepsy

More from Merriam-Webster on epileptic

Nglish: Translation of epileptic for Spanish Speakers

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