body dysmorphic disorder

American  

[bod-ee dis-mawr-fik dis-awr-der] / ˈbɒd i dɪsˈmɔr fɪk dɪsˌɔr dər /

noun

1. a mental disorder characterized by distorted body image and obsessions about perceived physical shortcomings. BDD

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body dysmorphic disorder British  

noun

1. a psychological disorder characterized by a strong feeling that one's appearance or health would be improved by the removal of a healthy body part

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Etymology

Origin of body dysmorphic disorder

First recorded in 1985–90; dys- + -morphic

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

body dysmorphic disorder

We make similar distinctions in conditions like body dysmorphic disorder and hoarding disorder: The meaning of the preoccupation determines how we treat it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 12, 2025

The issue is related to the more severe body dysmorphic disorder, which is characterized “by excessive preoccupation with an imagined defect in physical appearance or markedly excessive concern with a slight physical anomaly.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 16, 2023

The fashion doll that ensured generations of girls were stricken with body dysmorphic disorder before the age of 10 comes alive in “Barbie,” a comedy written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2023

Common personality traits among people with body dysmorphic disorder include perfectionism along with shyness, social anxiety, low self-esteem and sensitivity to rejection and criticism.

From Salon ● Apr. 9, 2023

In our view, body dysmorphic disorder needs to be better understood and publicized so that more people suffering from the condition can be properly diagnosed and treated.

From Salon ● Apr. 9, 2023