neurosis

American  

[noo-roh-sis, nyoo-] / nʊˈroʊ sɪs, nyʊ- /

noun

Psychiatry.

plural

neuroses

1. 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.

2. a relatively mild personality disorder typified by excessive anxiety or indecision and a degree of social or interpersonal maladjustment.

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neurosis British  

/ njʊˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

1. Also called: psychoneurosis.  a relatively mild mental disorder, characterized by symptoms such as hysteria, anxiety, depression, or obsessive behaviour

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neurosis Scientific  

/ n-rō′sĭs /

1. 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.

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neurosis Cultural  

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

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Discover More

In popular usage, a “neurotic” is anyone who worries a lot.

Etymology

Origin of neurosis

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

Compare meaning

How does neurosis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• neurosis vs. psychosis

Example Sentences

Films are a chance to work out these nagging, existential neuroses that live in the back of the mind, the type that overwhelm to the point of panic if thought about for too long.

From Salon

I wouldn’t call it a neurosis, but it’s something that I care about.

From The Wall Street Journal

He starts off as a real guy with neuroses and problems and foibles.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s not exactly unconventional for one of his movies, but more than any of his other features, this film is laced with Aster’s neuroses.

From Salon

She understands there is a formula to our narcissism and neuroses; patterns and mathematical sets of criteria drive our decisions.

From Salon

Related Words

• inhibition