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.

---

gender dysphoria British  

noun

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

---

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

See Examples For:

gender dysphoria

Needless to say, losing access to care was devastating for incarcerated transgender people, who in court filings described experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidal ideation as a result of their suddenly untreated gender dysphoria.

From Slate ● Oct. 22, 2026

Since 1992, the Bureau of Prisons has “treated people with gender dysphoria with hormone therapy,” their lawyers told the court.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026

The study looks at how both groups fared, and it compares them to Finnish peers who were never referred for assessment or treatment related to gender dysphoria.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026

The memo specified that military bases must identify service members diagnosed with or exhibiting symptoms of gender dysphoria.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2025

Instead, they could get medical treatments that prevented gender dysphoria, experience validation from trusted adults, and engage in social life as their full selves.

From Slate ● Jan. 31, 2025

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---