gender dysphoria

American  

[jen-der dis-fawr-ee-uh] / ˈdʒɛn dər dɪsˌfɔr i ə /

noun

1. a psychological condition marked by significant emotional distress and impairment in life functioning, caused by a lack of congruence between gender identity and sex assigned at birth.

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gender dysphoria British  

noun

1. a condition in which a person feels uncertainty or anxiety about his or her birth gender

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Sensitive Note

Some transgender individuals and their advocates object to the use of the word "disorder" to describe this condition and therefore reject use of the variant term gender identity disorder, which was once used more widely. However, others feel that classifying it as a disorder may facilitate access to medical care related to the condition.

Etymology

Origin of gender dysphoria

First recorded in 1970–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gender dysphoria

The study looks at how both groups fared, and it compares them to Finnish peers who were never referred for assessment or treatment related to gender dysphoria.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026

Mainstream U.S. medical associations have supported gender-affirming care for minors experiencing gender dysphoria for years.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2025

An investigation in Reuters found that, while more than 42,000 patients ages 6 to 17 were diagnosed with gender dysphoria in 2021, just 1,390 of them received puberty blockers, while 4,231 received hormone therapy.

From Slate ● Jun. 23, 2025

Instead, they could get medical treatments that prevented gender dysphoria, experience validation from trusted adults, and engage in social life as their full selves.

From Slate ● Jan. 31, 2025

Like other parts of the UK, Scotland has seen a surge in the number of young people questioning their identity or experiencing gender dysphoria.

From BBC ● Dec. 11, 2024

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