dysphoria
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dysphoria
First recorded in 1835–45; from New Latin, from Greek dysphoría “malaise, discomfort,” equivalent to dys- dys- + phor(ós) “bearing” + -ia -ia
Explanation
Dysphoria is a state of mental discomfort or suffering. When you feel dysphoria — and we hope you rarely do — you feel depressed and awful. Euphoria is a state of joy or bliss: dysphoria is the opposite. It’s a state of unease, anxiety, and misery. Dysphoria is very similar to depression, which is also a form of extreme sadness. This is a strong word for more than being bummed: it indicates true misery. Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a well-known literary figure who wrestles with dysphoria.
Vocabulary lists containing dysphoria
Florida's B.E.S.T. Roots: dys
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The Gene
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The Sunbearer Trials
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Gender Dysphoria is a feeling of discomfort or distress some transgender people feel regarding a disconnection between gender and sex in the body.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 23, 2023
A clinical study, run by the new Children and Young People's Gender Dysphoria Research and Oversight Board, will look at the impact of drugs which delay puberty.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2023
But in my experience, at least: Dysphoria feels like being unable to get warm, no matter how many layers you put on.
From New York Times • Nov. 24, 2018
Dysphoria is not uncontrollable sadness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth.
From Scientific American • Aug. 11, 2015
Dysphoria, dis-fō′ri-a, n. impatience under affliction, morbid restlessness.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
