nervous breakdown
noun
(not in technical use) any disabling mental disorder requiring treatment.
nervous breakdowns
-
pluralof nervous breakdown.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
High blood pressure, nervous breakdowns, respiratory problems, fever and dehydration feature among the most common ailments at the site housing hundreds, according to several doctors consulted.
From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026
As present becomes past, we see nervous breakdowns first, then the teetering points that predate them and lastly those first blooms of camaraderie, success and love.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 5, 2025
Others spent Monday and Tuesday posting crying emoji, memes of people having nervous breakdowns, and emotional messages in support of colleagues and their teams.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 25, 2022
Acapulco Mayor Adela Roman said that the quake sparked "nervous breakdowns" in the city.
From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2021
Under the stress of trench warfare, some soldiers seemed to suffer nervous breakdowns, a condition that became known as shell shock.
From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman
