diagnose

[ dahy-uhg-nohs, -nohz, dahy-uhg-nohs, -nohz ]

verb (used with object)

, di·ag·nosed, di·ag·nos·ing.

1. to determine the identity of (a disease, illness, etc.) by a medical examination:

   The doctor diagnosed the illness as influenza.

2. to ascertain the cause or nature of (a disorder, malfunction, problem, etc.) from the symptoms:

   The mechanic diagnosed the trouble that caused the engine knock.

3. to classify or determine on the basis of scientific examination.

verb (used without object)

, di·ag·nosed, di·ag·nos·ing.

1. to make a diagnosis.

diagnose

/ ˈdaɪəɡˌnəʊz /

verb

1. to determine or distinguish by diagnosis
2. tr to examine (a person or thing), as for a disease

Derived Forms

• ˌdiagˈnosable, adjective

Other Words From

• diag·nosa·ble adjective
• under·diag·nose verb (used with object) underdiagnosed underdiagnosing
• undi·ag·nosa·ble adjective
• un·diag·nosed adjective
• well-diag·nosed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diagnose¹

First recorded in 1860–65; back formation from diagnosis

Example Sentences

“We would have been able to diagnose our son much earlier if we had any clues because he was 12 when he was diagnosed. At that time I didn’t know much about autism at all and it was a very scary and stressful time for us and it was scary for him too. This show will go a very long way in helping to alleviate that fear.”

From Los Angeles Times

He explains: “What has changed is the number of patients we are diagnosing. It’s almost like the more we diagnose, the more word spreads.”

From BBC

"What you don’t know, you don’t know," he said, with PAs "not having the skills or experience" to diagnose patients with varying levels of complexity.

From BBC

I get that, and I understand why so many older patients fear Alzheimer’s, but I disagree with doctors whose response is to test early and often — and to diagnose Stage One Alzheimer’s based solely on biomarkers.

From Los Angeles Times

That is the stark warning from experts who have said the lack of medical radioactive isotopes available in the UK means delays in tests to diagnose cancer.

From BBC

Related Words

• analyze
• determine
• investigate
• pinpoint
• pronounce
• recognize