Tourette syndrome

British  

/ tʊəˈrɛt /

noun

1. Also called: Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.   Tourette's syndrome.   Tourette's.  a brain disorder characterized by involuntary outbursts of swearing, spitting, barking, etc, and sudden involuntary movements

---

Etymology

Origin of Tourette syndrome

C20: named after Georges Gilles de la Tourette (1857–1904), French neurologist

Example Sentences

“The tics you have heard tonight are involuntary — that means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language and we apologize if it has caused offense,” Cumming explained.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

A BBC spokesperson said the strong language "arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard."

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

Kennedy mentioned diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, seizure disorders, ADHD, speech delay, language delay, tics, Tourette syndrome, narcolepsy, peanut allergies and eczema.

From Salon • Jul. 17, 2025

Howard was open early in his career that he had Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder causing involuntary, repetitive movements.

From Seattle Times • May 2, 2024

She said the proper term for it is Tourette syndrome.

From "When I Was the Greatest" by Jason Reynolds