'apoplexy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'apoplēxia,' where 'apo-' meant 'away from' and 'plēxis' meant 'striking.'

'apoplēxia' transformed into the Latin word 'apoplexia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'apoplexy' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a striking away,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a sudden loss of consciousness or paralysis.'