invalidism

American  

[in-vuh-li-diz-uhm] / ˈɪn və lɪˌdɪz əm /

noun

1. prolonged ill health.

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invalidism British  

/ ˈɪnvəlɪˌdɪzəm /

noun

1. the state of being an invalid, esp by reason of ill health

2. a state of being abnormally preoccupied with one's physical health

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Etymology

Origin of invalidism

First recorded in 1785–95; invalid ¹ + -ism

Example Sentences

But though they offered unprecedented mobility, these wicker-and-wood chairs were seen as a sign of invalidism and dependence—and couldn’t have been more different from the modern wheelchairs that offer even more ways to move.

From National Geographic • Jul. 14, 2023

Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Barrett Browning used invalidism as a way to carve out time, space and mental freedom so that they could get on with reforming the Indian army and writing lyric verse respectively.

From The Guardian • Jul. 21, 2018

Kobayashi's invalidism is interesting because it doesn't fit any of the prior templates.

From Slate • Jun. 30, 2011

Restored to health after years of invalidism he now spends much time at Piping Rock Club, writing verses which he has privately printed, distributes and reads to his friends.

From Time Magazine Archive

At twenty-one, long before ill-fitting dentures and self-imposed invalidism, my grandmother was something of a beauty.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides