anorexic

American  

[an-uh-rek-sik] / ˌæn əˈrɛk sɪk /

noun

1. a person who has or experiences anorexia or especially anorexia nervosa.

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adjective

1. relating to, resembling, or affected by anorexia.

2. anorectic.

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

The scene reminded me of a quote from a student in sociologist Paula Saukko's 2008 book The Anorexic Self: "I used to be able to see the sky, but now I only think about food."

From Salon • Oct. 4, 2023

Anorexic student's death Averil Hart "failed by every NHS body"

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2017