compassion fatigue

American  

1. fatigue, emotional distress, or apathy resulting from the constant demands of caring for others or from constant appeals from charities.

   compassion fatigue experienced by doctors and nurses.

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compassion fatigue British  

noun

1. the inability to react sympathetically to a crisis, disaster, etc, because of overexposure to previous crises, disasters, etc

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Etymology

Origin of compassion fatigue

1980–85,

Example Sentences

“I’m in the situation,” he said, “where I’ve come to realize I’ve experienced vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue and burnout.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2023

“There’s a lot of compassion fatigue, a lot of burnout,” said Seattle Animal Shelter Director Esteban Rodriguez.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 1, 2023

Today, such celebrities and the media seem to be gripped by a kind of compassion fatigue.

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2023

Judging from many reader responses, it seems compassion fatigue has set in, just when we need compassion the most.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 12, 2023

Many of the strategies that benefit others who suffer compassion fatigue may not work for the lab animal community—a profession ripe with unique triggers and challenges.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 9, 2023