gender dysphoria

American  

[jen-der dis-fawr-ee-uh] / ˈdʒɛn dər dɪsˌfɔr i ə /

noun

1. a psychological condition marked by significant emotional distress and impairment in life functioning, caused by a lack of congruence between gender identity and sex assigned at birth.

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gender dysphoria British  

noun

1. a condition in which a person feels uncertainty or anxiety about his or her birth gender

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Sensitive Note

Some transgender individuals and their advocates object to the use of the word "disorder" to describe this condition and therefore reject use of the variant term gender identity disorder, which was once used more widely. However, others feel that classifying it as a disorder may facilitate access to medical care related to the condition.

Etymology

Origin of gender dysphoria

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Mainstream U.S. medical associations have supported gender-affirming care for minors experiencing gender dysphoria for years.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 1, 2025

Like other parts of the UK, Scotland has seen a surge in the number of young people questioning their identity or experiencing gender dysphoria.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2024

Justice Sonia Sotomayor was compelled to explain the anguish and suffering of kids denied medical care, describing one child whose gender dysphoria made him throw up every day and go “almost mute.”

From Slate • Dec. 4, 2024

“It’s not necessarily obvious — was this service being provided because of someone’s diagnosis of gender dysphoria or for some other reason?”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2024

It did say that the Cass review was debated alongside the “woefully inadequate” provision of services for children and young people with gender dysphoria.

From BBC • Jul. 17, 2024