verbigeration

[ver-bij-uh-rey-shuhn]

Pathology.

1. the constant or obsessive repetition of meaningless words or phrases.

Word History and Origins

Origin of verbigeration¹

1890–95; < Latin verbiger ( āre ) to chat, converse ( verb ( um ) word + -i- -i- + -gerāre durative derivative of gerere to carry on, transact) + -ation

Example Sentences

Thus the affected, silly behavior, impulsive actions, temporary verbigeration, senseless word salad, grimacing, stereotypy, attitudinizing, etc., which these patients exhibit, may easily be mistaken for the typical catatonic picture of dementia præcox.

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