neurosis
neurosis Lexical Profile
neurosis Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A relatively mild mental or emotional condition, characterized by chronic anxiety, obsessive thoughts, Phobias, or insecurity, that does not involve a loss of contact with reality or result from an organic disease.
"Early psychoanalytic theory sought to trace the patient's neurosis back to unresolved childhood conflicts."
An excessive, irrational worry, obsession, or anxious preoccupation in everyday life.
"The comedian built his entire career on joking about his everyday neuroses and social awkwardness."
Word Nuance & Usage
In psychology, 'neurosis' should not be confused with 'psychosis'; a person with a neurosis remains in touch with external reality despite experiencing distress, whereas psychosis involves a break from reality such as hallucinations or delusions.
• Rhymes for neurosis
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in Modern Latin in the late 18th century by Scottish physician William Cullen, combining Ancient Greek 'neuron' (nerve) and the medical suffix '-osis' (abnormal condition).