noun
stroke
STROHK/strəʊk/
A sudden brain injury caused by blocked blood flow or bleeding.
A stroke can suddenly affect a person's speech or movement.
Etymology
The medical sense grew from “stroke” meaning a blow: an apoplectic seizure was described as a “stroke of God's hand.” That image of a sudden affliction underlies the modern medical use.
In context
the rise in blood pressure increases the risk of stroke which occurs when blood flow to the brain is restricted Strokes can result in damage to the nervous system
More examples
- Call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is having a stroke.
- After her stroke, she worked with a therapist to regain strength.
- Controlling high blood pressure helps prevent strokes.
Forms
stroke · strokes
Similar words
- cerebrovascular accident
- A clinical term for stroke, rather than everyday language.