Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of anorexic
First recorded in 1960–65; anorex(ia) + -ic
Explanation
A disorder that causes loss of appetite or an obsession with losing weight is called anorexia. People who suffer from anorexia restrict their food and often have elaborate rituals around preparing it. Though most people think of the mental disorder known as anorexia nervosa when they hear the word anorexia, it actually describes the lack of appetite that's caused by any illness, mental or physical. The word has had this meaning in English since the 16th century, from the Greek anorexia, with its roots of an-, "without," and orexis, "appetite" or "desire."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
It can prohibit doctors “from telling an anorexic patient to eat less” while allowing them to recommend eating more.
From Slate ● Mar. 31, 2026
It was very tragic, and I am also interested in the fact that she was anorexic, a disease often associated with anxiety and efforts for control.
From Salon ● May 26, 2025
From much of the plaza, yet another anorexic supertall for squillionaires, rising at 29th Street, now blots it out.
From New York Times ● Oct. 25, 2023
Dear Amy: I have a beautiful, smart and wonderful 16-year-old granddaughter who is anorexic.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 18, 2023
They think being anorexic makes them special, makes them better than everybody else.
From "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
She says she believes the industry "wants functioning anorexics who don't complain".
From BBC ● Dec. 19, 2023
She attended group therapy sessions with recovering anorexics.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 28, 2019
“I’ve worked with anorexics who are incredibly thin to the point of needing hospitalization,” she said.
From New York Times ● Nov. 29, 2018
As anorexics read cookbooks, I started to read hands.
From Salon ● Dec. 7, 2012
“Anorexics are anorexics all the time,” she says.
From "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
