nervous breakdown

noun

1. (not in technical use) any disabling mental disorder requiring treatment.

nervous breakdown

noun

1. any mental illness not primarily of organic origin in which the patient ceases to function properly, often accompanied by severely impaired concentration, anxiety, insomnia, and lack of self-esteem; used esp of episodes of depression

Word History and Origins

Origin of nervous breakdown¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

Seven years into her time at LEMSIP, Jeannie had what researchers describe as a “nervous breakdown” that made further testing all but impossible.

From Salon

Following a nervous breakdown in 2018, he left both the seminary and the conversion therapy group.

From BBC

Under the stress of trench warfare, some soldiers seemed to suffer nervous breakdowns, a condition that became known as shell shock.

From Literature

In the mostly forgotten 1990 film "Crazy People," Dudley Moore's character, an advertising executive, has a nervous breakdown and starts creating brutally honest ads.

From Salon

In the story, Myrtle, played by Smith, is having a nervous breakdown after the death of one of her fans.

From BBC