psychopathology

[ sahy-koh-puh-thol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the science or study of mental disorders.
2. the conditions and processes of a mental disorder.
3. a pathological deviation from normal or efficient behavior; psychosis.

psychopathology

/ ˌsaɪkəʊˌpæθəˈlɒdʒɪkəl; ˌsaɪkəʊpəˈθɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the scientific study of mental disorders

Derived Forms

• psychopathological, adjective
• ˌpsychopaˈthologist, noun

Other Words From

• psy·cho·path·o·log·i·cal [sahy-koh-path-, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], psycho·patho·logic adjective
• psycho·pa·tholo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of psychopathology¹

First recorded in 1840–50; psycho- + pathology

Example Sentences

First, we had to go over and around the gatekeepers in the news media by going to the American people directly with our ad about Trump's apparently extreme psychopathology.

From Salon

His malignity and psychopathology seem to attract followers when these same characteristics should repulse people.

From Salon

A new psychopathology is identified — the Gershwin complex.

From Los Angeles Times

“Variability is good,” she says, “and there is no clear answer about when it indicates psychopathology.”

From Scientific American

They understand that the culture wars cannot be won, are perpetuated by the "racialised psychopathology" that they simultaneously generate and hence are nothing more than a distraction from what really matters.

From Salon