post-traumatic stress disorder

[ pohst-truh-mat-ik stres dis-awr-der, -traw- ]

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. a mental disorder occurring after an extremely distressing, stressful, or frightening event, and characterized by symptoms such as reliving the event, avoidance of anything that is a reminder of the event, withdrawal from social interactions or previous activities, and an increase in feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness, shame, or guilt. : PTSD

post-traumatic stress disorder

noun

1. a psychological condition, characterized by anxiety, withdrawal, and a proneness to physical illness, that may follow a traumatic experience PTSD

Word History and Origins

Origin of post-traumatic stress disorder¹

First recorded in 1975–80