neurotic
neurotic Lexical Profile
neurotic Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Abnormally sensitive, obsessive, or chronically anxious, especially about minor matters.
"He became increasingly neurotic about locking every window and door twice before leaving the house."
Relating to, caused by, or suffering from neurosis, a mild mental condition characterized by persistent anxiety, phobias, or obsessive behavior without loss of contact with reality.
"Early psychoanalytic theory sought to uncover the unconscious conflicts behind neurotic symptoms."
• noun
A person who suffers from neurosis or exhibits chronically anxious, obsessive, or overly sensitive behavior.
"The playwright often cast himself as a lovable neurotic overwhelmed by the minor inconveniences of modern city life."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse "neurotic" with "psychotic": in clinical psychology, a neurotic person experiences chronic distress or anxiety while remaining firmly in touch with reality, whereas a psychotic person suffers from delusions or hallucinations that impair contact with reality.
• Rhymes for neurotic
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 17th century from Modern Latin neuroticus, from Ancient Greek neurōtikos ('affecting the nerves'), derived from neuron ('nerve, sinew'). Originally used in medicine to describe remedies for nerve disorders, it acquired its psychological sense in the late 19th century.