neurosis

[ noo-roh-sis, nyoo- ]
/ nʊˈroʊ sɪs, nyʊ- /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR neurosis ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural neu·ro·ses [noo-roh-seez, nyoo-] /nʊˈroʊ siz, nyʊ-/. Psychiatry.

Also called psychoneurosis. a functional disorder in which feelings of anxiety, obsessional thoughts, compulsive acts, and physical complaints without objective evidence of disease, in various degrees and patterns, dominate the personality.
a relatively mild personality disorder typified by excessive anxiety or indecision and a degree of social or interpersonal maladjustment.

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Origin of neurosis

From New Latin, dating back to 1770–80; see origin at neur-, -osis

Words nearby neurosis

neurosarcocleisis, neurosarcoidosis, neuroscience, neurosecretion, neurosensory, neurosis, neurosplanchnic, neurospora, neurosthenia, neurosurgery, neurosuture
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to neurosis

inhibition, breakdown, psychopathy, abnormality, madness, aberration, derangement, insanity, deviation, phobia, affliction, instability, compulsion, obsession, hysteria, maladjustment, neurasthenia

Example sentences from the Web for neurosis

British Dictionary definitions for neurosis

neurosis
/ (njʊˈrəʊsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-siːz)

a relatively mild mental disorder, characterized by symptoms such as hysteria, anxiety, depression, or obsessive behaviourAlso called: psychoneurosis
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for neurosis

neurosis
[ nu-rō′sĭs ]

n. pl. neu•ro•ses (-sēz)

A psychological state characterized by excessive anxiety or insecurity, compensated for by various defense mechanisms and lacking evidence of neurologic or other organic disease. No longer used in psychiatric diagnosis.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for neurosis

neurosis
[ nu-rō′sĭs ]

A psychological state characterized by excessive anxiety or insecurity without evidence of neurologic or other organic disease, sometimes accompanied by defensive or immature behaviors. This term is no longer used in psychiatric diagnosis.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for neurosis

neurosis
[ (noo-roh-sis, nyoo-roh-sis) ]

A mental disorder marked by anxiety or fear. Neurosis is less severe than psychosis. (See also angst, hysteria, and phobia.)

notes for neurosis

In popular usage, a “neurotic” is anyone who worries a lot.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.