Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Saint Vitus Dance

Noun

/seɪnt ˈviːtəs dæns/

Definition

A neurological disorder characterized by rapid, unintentional movements and twitching, often triggered by fever or emotional stress.

Examples

The children exhibited symptoms similar to Saint Vitus Dance during the festival, displaying wild, erratic movements.
In historical accounts, outbreaks of Saint Vitus Dance often occurred in times of social unrest.
Doctors in the past attributed cases of Saint Vitus Dance to the influence of spirits or supernatural forces.

Meaning

The term ‘Saint Vitus Dance’ refers to a condition that has historically been associated with dancing mania, where individuals experience uncontrollable movements that resemble dancing.