nervous breakdown

American  

noun

1. (not in technical use) any disabling mental disorder requiring treatment.

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nervous breakdown British  

noun

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of nervous breakdown

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

The court heard details of the defendant's mental health issues, including a nervous breakdown in the 1990s.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2026

In “Greenberg,” Ben Stiller’s title character is a cantankerous and neurotic New Yorker who has fled west after a nervous breakdown.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

The finale, a musical nervous breakdown, illuminates what’s been driving the character all along.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2025

"We often wonder whether mum had a nervous breakdown during that time," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2025

In 1843, he attempted an honors exam in mathematics, but suffered a nervous breakdown and returned home to recuperate.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee