apoplectic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Literary / Hyperbolic (in figurative use)
Quick answer
What does “apoplectic” mean?
Suffering from or showing extreme anger.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Suffering from or showing extreme anger; enraged.
1. (Technical) Relating to or suffering from apoplexy (stroke). 2. (Figurative) Characterized by intense, overwhelming emotion, especially rage or fury.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The figurative meaning is dominant in both varieties. The formal/hyperbolic register is consistent.
Connotations
Equally connotes extreme, sputtering, purplish-faced rage in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK written sources, but common in both as a strong descriptive term.
Grammar
How to Use “apoplectic” in a Sentence
to be apoplectic (at/about/over something)to make someone apoplecticto turn/go/become apoplecticVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apoplectic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form; archaic 'apoplex' is obsolete]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [Rare/Non-standard] He shouted apoplectically at the referee.
American English
- [Rare/Non-standard] She reacted apoplectically to the news.
adjective
British English
- The manager was absolutely apoplectic about the cancelled fixture.
American English
- Her apoplectic rant about taxes was the talk of the party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe an executive's extreme reaction to a failed deal: 'The CEO was apoplectic when he saw the quarterly losses.'
Academic
Rare in modern use, except in historical/medical texts discussing 'apoplectic stroke'.
Everyday
Used hyperbolically in conversation/descriptive writing for comic or dramatic effect: 'My dad was apoplectic when I crashed the car.'
Technical
Medical/archaic term relating to apoplexy (cerebral hemorrhage or stroke).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apoplectic”
- Using it to mean 'apathetic' (confusion with similar sound).
- Spelling: 'apopletic' (missing 'c').
- Overusing it for mild annoyance, diluting its strong impact.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, in modern figurative use. Historically/medically, it refers to a stroke (apoplexy). It can sometimes be extended to other overwhelming emotions (e.g., 'apoplectic with laughter'), but rage is the default.
Yes, but it is a strong, formal, and often hyperbolic word. Using it for minor annoyances sounds exaggerated or humorous. It's more common in writing and descriptive speech.
Both mean extremely angry. 'Apoplectic' suggests a more visible, sputtering, loss-of-control fury, often with a physical component (e.g., turning purple). 'Livid' can imply a cold, silent fury as well as a flushed one.
Indirectly. One can be 'apoplectic with rage,' implying a red or purple complexion. The word itself is not a direct colour term like 'crimson.'
Suffering from or showing extreme anger.
Apoplectic is usually formal / literary / hyperbolic (in figurative use) in register.
Apoplectic: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæp.əˈplek.tɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæp.əˈplek.tɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No direct idioms; the word itself is used idiomatically/hyperbolically]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an angry pop star (apo-plec-tic) turning purple and screaming, about to have a fit.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXTREME ANGER IS A PHYSICAL SEIZURE / LOSS OF BODILY CONTROL.
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best illustrates someone being 'apoplectic'?