Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| ictus | /ˈik.tus/ |
| accidente cerebrovascolare | |
| colpo apoplettico |
The phrase is used to describe the loss of brain function caused by a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain.
Which one should you use?
While ictus is the standard term for the medical event, avoid using the verb accarezzare (to stroke/caress) when referring to a medical stroke, as they are unrelated in meaning.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term ictus is the most common way to refer to a stroke in a medical or formal context. Other formal options include accidente cerebrovascolare and colpo apoplettico, which specifically refers to an apoplectic stroke. The term infarto cerebrale is also used as a formal way to describe a stroke.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ictus is a masculine noun, so it is preceded by the masculine indefinite article un.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈik.tus/. The stress is on the first of the two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word colpo is thought to descend from the Ancient Greek word kólaphos, which specifically referred to a slap or a strike to the face.
- The term infarto cerebrale is frequently used by doctors, and while it translates to 'cerebral infarction', it is a common way to describe what an English speaker calls a 'stroke'.
- The term colpo apoplettico is considered quite archaic and dramatic, much like the English expression 'an apoplectic fit'.
Examples in context
- Io ebbi un ictus.I had a stroke.This sentence is useful for saying 'I had a stroke' using ictus.Tatoeba #5780063 by Guybrush88, translation #2331634 by CK
- Tom ha avuto un ictus.Tom has had a stroke.This sentence is useful for saying 'Tom has had a stroke' using ictus.Tatoeba #5007533 by Guybrush88, translation #5007467 by CK
- Mia nonna ebbe un ictus.My grandmother had a stroke.This sentence is useful for saying 'My grandmother had a stroke' using ictus.Tatoeba #5780068 by Guybrush88, translation #2580750 by Hybrid
- Ho avuto un infarto cerebraleI had a stroke
- Il paziente ha subito un infarto cerebrale, ed è necessario un intervento medico immediato.The patient has suffered a stroke, and immediate medical intervention is necessary.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are discussing a news report at home.
- MatteoHai sentito dell'uomo che ha avuto un ictus?Did you hear about the man who had a stroke?
- ChiaraNo, è successo qualcosa di grave?No, did something serious happen?
- MatteoSì, l'ictus è stato molto improvviso.Yes, the stroke was very sudden.
- ChiaraSpero che lui possa guarire presto.I hope he can recover soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stroke” translations and entries ictus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apoplettico, cerebrovascolare, colpo, ictus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
