cataplexy
(ˈkætaplɛksɪ)
[In Ger. kataplexie, mod. f. Gr. κατάπληξις (Hippocrates) stupefaction, f. καταπλήσσ-ειν to strike down with terror or the like.]
The temporary paralysis or hypnotic state in animals when ‘shamming death’.
| 1883 Romanes Ment. Evol. Anim. xviii. 308 The researches of Professor Preyer on the hypnotism of animals..showed that fright is a strong predisposing cause of ‘Kataplexy’, or mesmeric sleep in animals..He ascribes the shamming dead of insects to the exclusive influence of kataplexy. |