adj
catatonic
ka-tuh-TON-ihk
adj
1
In a state of near-total unresponsiveness and stillness, as from shock or a psychiatric condition.
"After the accident, he sat catatonic in the waiting room, unable to speak."
How to Use Catatonic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFrozen and unresponsive, whether from a medical condition or emotional shock.
Common mistake
Often used loosely in everyday speech to mean "completely still and unresponsive," beyond its clinical psychiatric meaning.
Word Forms
more catatonic comparative, catatonics plural, most catatonic superlative
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After the accident, he sat _____ in the waiting room, unable to speak.