neurosis

[ noo-roh-sis, nyoo- ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

, plural neu·ro·ses [n, oo, -, roh, -seez, ny, oo, -].

1. Also called psychoneurosis. a functional disorder in which feelings of anxiety, obsessional thoughts, compulsive acts, and physical complaints without objective evidence of disease, in various degrees and patterns, dominate the personality.
2. a relatively mild personality disorder typified by excessive anxiety or indecision and a degree of social or interpersonal maladjustment.

neurosis

/ njʊˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

1. a relatively mild mental disorder, characterized by symptoms such as hysteria, anxiety, depression, or obsessive behaviour Also calledpsychoneurosis

neurosis

/ n-rō′sĭs /

1. A psychological state characterized by excessive anxiety or insecurity without evidence of neurologic or other organic disease, sometimes accompanied by defensive or immature behaviors. This term is no longer used in psychiatric diagnosis.

neurosis

1. A mental disorder marked by anxiety or fear. Neurosis is less severe than psychosis . ( See also angst , hysteria , and phobia .)

Notes

In popular usage, a “neurotic” is anyone who worries a lot.

Word History and Origins

Origin of neurosis¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1770–80; neur-, -osis

Example Sentences

A victory to flush out any neurosis and compound the belief in their plan.

From BBC

I am very happy that I had kids later because I'm bored of myself at this point and all the neuroses that go into everyday life.

From Salon

After a Wes Anderson-esque opening of orderly pomp in which our fictionalized septet of epically shallow nation leaders is introduced, the hard work of schmoozy collaboration and managing petty neuroses begins.

From Los Angeles Times

I have all sorts of weird neuroses about my looks.

From Los Angeles Times

Viewers are drawn deep into Donny’s neuroses, which include, he and we begin to understand, an addiction to being the object of one woman’s obsession.

From New York Times

Related Words

• inhibition