borderline personality disorder

American  

[bawr-der-lahyn pur-suh-nal-i-tee dis-awr-der] / ˈbɔr dərˌlaɪn ˌpɜr səˈnæl ɪ ti dɪsˌɔr dər /

noun

Psychiatry.

1. a personality disorder characterized by instability in many areas, as mood, identity, self-image, and behavior, and often manifested by impulsive actions, suicide attempts, inappropriate anger, or depression. BPD

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borderline personality disorder British  

noun

1. psychiatry a mental condition on the dividing line between a psychiatric disorder and normality characterized by impulsiveness, extreme mood swings, and often aggressiveness

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Etymology

Origin of borderline personality disorder

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

It’s a communication style or, more accurately, a manipulation tactic used by people who have a borderline personality disorder.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026

A decade ago, narcissism was a little-discussed personality disorder, especially compared to more stigmatized diagnoses, like sociopathy or borderline personality disorder.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2025

People with borderline personality disorder have a pattern of intense, unstable relationships, often stemming from a fear of abandonment.

From Slate • Sep. 29, 2024

Davidson underwent treatment last summer to address issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder, People reported.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 31, 2024

I culled symptoms of mono, plantar warts, shingles, borderline personality disorder and a bladder infection, as well as listing a bunch of side effects from some TV ads for drugs.

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen