grand mal
noun
ˈgrän(d)-ˌmäl 
ˈgräⁿ-ˌmäl,
-ˌmal;
ˈgran(d)-ˌmal
1
or grand mal epilepsy
: severe epilepsy characterized by seizures in which there is an abrupt loss of consciousness with initially prolonged tonic muscle contractions followed by clonic muscle spasms
2
or grand mal seizure
: a seizure marked by abrupt loss of consciousness with initially prolonged tonic muscle contractions followed by clonic muscle spasms
Examples of grand mal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The person having a grand mal seizure may fall to the ground, have abnormal movements, cry out, or even become unconscious.
—
Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 19 July 2024
Shields then went into a restaurant and suffered a grand mal seizure (ie: the really bad-looking kind).
—Vulture, 1 Nov. 2023
Some children have grand mal seizures; others walk in a way that is reminiscent of Parkinson’s Disease.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 20 June 2023
What causes a grand mal seizure?
—Patti Greco, Health.com, 9 Nov. 2021
See all Example Sentences for grand mal 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 19 July 2024
Shields then went into a restaurant and suffered a grand mal seizure (ie: the really bad-looking kind).
—Vulture, 1 Nov. 2023
Some children have grand mal seizures; others walk in a way that is reminiscent of Parkinson’s Disease.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 20 June 2023
What causes a grand mal seizure?
—Patti Greco, Health.com, 9 Nov. 2021
See all Example Sentences for grand mal
Dictionary Entries Near grand mal
Cite this Entry
“Grand mal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grand%20mal. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
grand mal
noun
ˈgrän(d)-ˌmäl
ˈgräⁿ-ˌmäl
ˈgräⁿ-ˌmäl
-ˌmal; ˈgran(d)-ˌmal
1
or grand mal epilepsy
: severe epilepsy characterized by tonic-clonic seizures : tonic-clonic epilepsy
2
or grand mal seizure
: a tonic-clonic seizure
She estimates having had about 25 grand mals and 100 smaller-scale seizures since.—Cicero A. Estrella, San Francisco Chronicle
Cicero A. Estrella, San Francisco ChronicleLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share