# encephalopathy

/ɛnˌsɛfəˈɫɔpəθi/ (US) · /ɛnsˌɛfɐlˈɒpəθi/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/encephalopathy
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

a disease or damage in the brain that changes how you think, feel, or move.

For teachers: disease, damage, or malfunction of the brain, typically marked by confusion, memory loss, or changes in behaviour and consciousness.

## Examples

- The infection causes encephalopathy and severe confusion.
- After days in intensive care, doctors say liver failure has led to encephalopathy, which explains his confusion.
- Chronic hepatic encephalopathy can subtly erode memory and judgment long before overt disorientation appears, making early detection essential for effective treatment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.