diagnose

[dahy-uhg-nohs, -nohz, dahy-uhg-nohs, -nohz]

verb (used with object)

diagnosed, diagnosing 

1. to determine the identity of (a disease, illness, etc.) by a medical examination.

   The doctor diagnosed the illness as influenza.

2. to ascertain the cause or nature of (a disorder, malfunction, problem, etc.) from the symptoms.

   The mechanic diagnosed the trouble that caused the engine knock.

3. to classify or determine on the basis of scientific examination.

verb (used without object)

diagnosed, diagnosing 

1. to make a diagnosis.

diagnose

/ ˈdaɪəɡˌnəʊz /

verb

1. to determine or distinguish by diagnosis

2. (tr) to examine (a person or thing), as for a disease

Other Word Forms

• diagnosable adjective
• underdiagnose verb (used with object)
• undiagnosable adjective
• undiagnosed adjective
• well-diagnosed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diagnose¹

First recorded in 1860–65; back formation from diagnosis

Example Sentences

But she said small businesses did not have "an endless pot of money" to invest in occupational health needed from a rise in adults being diagnosed with conditions such as autism and ADHD.

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The inquiry heard Dion was diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder at the age of 12 which led to him using a wheelchair and his parents helping him more.

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They reviewed five years of data on adults diagnosed with chronic insomnia who had documented melatonin use for more than a year.

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The dancer revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023 after finding a lump in April, the day before going to the Maldives on her honeymoon with fellow professional dancer Ben Jones.

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Despite its prevalence, ME/CFS has remained poorly understood and notoriously difficult to diagnose.

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Related Words

• analyze 
• determine 
• investigate 
• pinpoint 
• pronounce 
• recognize