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cataplexy

n. a sudden loss of muscle tone that may be localized, causing (for example) loss of grasp or head nodding, or generalized, resulting in collapse of the entire body. It is a temporary condition usually precipitated by an extreme emotional stimulus (e.g., an uncontrollable fit of laughter; overwhelming anxiety, excitement, or anger). See narcolepsy; narcolepsy–cataplexy syndrome. —cataplectic adj.

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Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

narrotophilia

narrotophilia

n. sexual interest and arousal obtained from speaking or hearing sexually explicit words during sexual activity. It most commonly occurs in telephone or online computer sex, in which partners talk or write while masturbating. There are commercial services that employ people to engage in narratophilia with clients for a fee. In some cases of narratophilia, however, people prefer to make obscene phone calls to strangers or randomly selected numbers, as the involvement of a nonconsenting person adds to their pleasure. —narratophile n.