nervous breakdown
noun
(not in technical use) any disabling mental disorder requiring treatment.
Nearby words
nervon, nervonic acid, nervosity, nervous, nervous bladder, nervous breakdown, nervous exhaustion, nervous indigestion, nervous lobe, nervous nellie, nervous system
Origin of nervous breakdown
An Americanism dating back to 1900–05
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for nervous breakdown
nervous breakdown
noun
any mental illness not primarily of organic origin in which the patient ceases to function properly, often accompanied by severely impaired concentration, anxiety, insomnia, and lack of self-esteem; used esp of episodes of depression
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medicine definitions for nervous breakdown
nervous breakdown
n.
A severe or incapacitating emotional disorder, especially when occurring suddenly and marked by depression.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.