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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

apoplectic

IPA:

How to pronounce apoplectic (audio)

Dictionary definition of apoplectic

Extreme anger, agitation, or fury, often to the point of near uncontrollable rage.
"The family is apoplectic at the government's handling of the hostage crisis."

Detailed meaning of apoplectic

When someone is described as apoplectic, it signifies that they are experiencing an intense emotional reaction marked by intense frustration, anger, or indignation. The term is often associated with a physical response that can include redness of the face, bulging eyes, and even loss of consciousness in extreme cases. "Apoplectic" is a powerful word that conveys the idea of someone being so overwhelmed by anger or outrage that it affects their physical and emotional state, sometimes to an alarming degree.

Example sentences containing apoplectic

1. His apoplectic reaction to the news shocked everyone in the room.
2. She turned apoplectic when her computer crashed before a deadline.
3. The referee's decision left the coach apoplectic on the sidelines.
4. The apoplectic customer demanded a refund after a mix-up.
5. An apoplectic outburst from the boss silenced the office.
6. The apoplectic driver honked furiously in the traffic jam.

History and etymology of apoplectic

The adjective 'apoplectic' has its origins in ancient medical beliefs. It can be traced back to the Greek word 'apoplēktikos,' which means 'struck down by a stroke.' In ancient times, a stroke was often associated with sudden and severe bodily dysfunction, including loss of speech and paralysis, which could be caused by intense emotions. Over time, the term 'apoplectic' came to be associated with extreme anger, agitation, or fury, often to the point of near uncontrollable rage. It reflects the idea that such intense emotions could lead to physical symptoms akin to those seen in a stroke, even though modern medicine distinguishes between emotional outbursts and actual strokes.

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Further usage examples of apoplectic

1. He went apoplectic when he saw the mess in the kitchen.
2. The politician's apoplectic speech fueled heated debates.
3. An apoplectic argument ensued over the disputed inheritance.
4. The apoplectic parent confronted the school administration.
5. The apoplectic reaction online turned into a viral sensation.
6. A miscommunication could lead to an apoplectic response.
7. She felt apoplectic when her team lost the championship game.
8. He was apoplectic when he caught his wife in bed with another man.
9. He was apoplectic at the judge's decision to award alimony to his ex-wife.
10. The coach was apoplectic when his star-player showed up ten minutes into the game.
11. The commuter was apoplectic at the news of the rail strikes.
12. The chairman was apoplectic at the decision to cancel his funding.
13. She became apoplectic with rage when she found out her husband had been cheating on her.
14. He turned apoplectic with fury when he saw the damage to his car.
15. The coach was apoplectic with anger after the team's poor performance.
16. The news of the company's bankruptcy left her apoplectic with shock.
17. He became apoplectic with excitement when he won the lottery.
18. The revelation that her best friend had been lying to her made her apoplectic with betrayal.
19. He turned apoplectic with embarrassment when he realized he had forgotten his pants.
20. The teacher became apoplectic with frustration when the students refused to listen.
21. She was apoplectic with joy when her team won the championship.
22. He became apoplectic with disgust when he saw the state of the bathroom.
23. The politician's apoplectic reaction to the scandal made headlines.
24. She was apoplectic with anxiety when she realized she had lost her keys.

ACT 12 (American College Testing), High School 16, Anger and Hatred

berserk,enraged,fuming,furious,incandescent,incensed,irate,livid,outraged,seething

enraged, calm, composed, serene

eb68db_fdc22d7b7eb64e418caad9e21c8808c9.mp3

boiling,infuriated,mad,wrathful

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