to all those seeking a solution to this issue: SEE ARUN's ANSWER FOR A SIMPLE WORKING SOLUTION.
thank you, Arun, for a simple and concise solution to this issue.
you are the ONLY one (on the entirety on the internet?) who has provided one.
Other folks suggested that A. "this is definitely the result of a hacker (keylogging software), you're screwed" ; B. "something is wrong with your computer, remove software until it works again" (see above for that priceless gem of a response), C. "go to settings, devices, typing, and turn off "show text suggestions" (which is upsetting because that last response indicates that the responder wasn't even listening to the question)..
Anyways, Thank you Arun (and only Arun) for this quick and simple fix.