body image

American  

noun

1. an intellectual or idealized image of what one's body is or should be like that is sometimes misconceived in such mental disorders as anorexia nervosa.

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body image British  

noun

1. psychol an individual's concept of his or her own body

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Etymology

Origin of body image

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

The cases center on users like Kaley G.M., the plaintiff in the Los Angeles case, who said she developed depression, chronic anxiety and body image issues from early and intense exposure to social media.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Yet the group also ventured into deeper territory — boundaries, mental health, body image and community.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

Last year she helped launch a cancer podcast, Radio Therapy, which covered themes including mental health, body image and mortality.

From BBC • Aug. 27, 2025

TV and radio presenter Kemp shared some of his own experiences with Grennan on the pressures of body image and around weight in show business.

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2025

Angela had made no mention of Dave Bendix, but she had body image issues that Schmidt rated severe.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin