# epileptic

/ˌɛpəˈɫɛptɪk/ (US) · /ˌɛpɪlˈɛptɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/epileptic
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a person who has a medical condition that causes them to have seizures. This word is very old and not used much today.

For teachers: a person suffering from epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. Historically used as a noun, though modern usage prefers the adjective form.

## Examples

- The doctor treated the epileptic with a new medication.
- In the nineteenth century, an epileptic was often misunderstood and treated with fear by the general public.
- The historical records describe the life of an epileptic who managed to become a respected scholar despite the social stigma and physical challenges of his condition.

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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.