psychopathology

American  

[sahy-koh-puh-thol-uh-jee] / ˌsaɪ koʊ pəˈθɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the science or study of mental disorders.

2. the conditions and processes of a mental disorder.

3. a pathological deviation from normal or efficient behavior; psychosis.

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psychopathology British  

/ ˌsaɪkəʊˌpæθəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌsaɪkəʊpəˈθɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the scientific study of mental disorders

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Other Word Forms

• psychopathologic adjective
• psychopathological adjective
• psychopathologist noun

Etymology

Origin of psychopathology

First recorded in 1840–50; psycho- + pathology

Example Sentences

His malignity and psychopathology seem to attract followers when these same characteristics should repulse people.

From Salon

A new psychopathology is identified — the Gershwin complex.

From Los Angeles Times

“Variability is good,” she says, “and there is no clear answer about when it indicates psychopathology.”

From Scientific American

Homelessness results from a spectrum of causes, not all of which manifest themselves on the streets — drug abuse, psychopathologies, poverty, inaccessible healthcare, not to mention a shortage of affordable living units.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe, even, they are stand-ins, part of the psychopathology of everyday life.

From Washington Post