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

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Etymology

Origin of Tourette syndrome

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

Example Sentences

There are so few depictions of Tourette syndrome in the media as it is, and even fewer that accurately render the potentially debilitating complications of coprolalia.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

The slur was involuntarily blurted by John Davidson, whose life experience dealing with Tourette syndrome inspired the film “I Swear.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Tourette syndrome is a motor disorder characterised by sudden, involuntary and repetitive movements or sounds, known as tics.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

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