Dictionary.com

neurosis

[ noo-roh-sis, nyoo- ]
/ nʊˈroʊ sɪs, nyʊ- /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: neurosis / neuroses 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.

QUIZZES

DO A DOUBLE TAKE ON THIS QUIZ ON CONTRONYMS

Look both ways before you take this quiz on contronyms, or words that can have opposite meanings.
Question 1 of 7
Choose the sentence that uses "rent" correctly.
No one wanted to rent the run-down house on the corner.
His rent was so loud that people the next block over could hear it.
I had rent the apartment from an eccentric old lady.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar helpImprove Your Writing

Meet Grammar Coach

Improve Your Writing
Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

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. 2021

Words related to neurosis

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

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.
FEEDBACK