noun

hypochondria

hy-puh-KON-dree-uh

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Hypochondria (noun) means Excessive worry about having a serious illness, once treated as a psychological disorder in its own right but no longer a current medical diagnosis. Example: “His hypochondria meant that every small headache made him fear the worst.”

noun

Excessive worry about having a serious illness, once treated as a psychological disorder in its own right but no longer a current medical diagnosis.

"His hypochondria meant that every small headache made him fear the worst."

"She joked that her hypochondria had returned after reading about a rare illness."

"Hypochondria can make ordinary bodily sensations feel frightening."

How to use hypochondria

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn unreasonable, constant worry that you are seriously ill.

When to use it

It is used both in everyday speech and in a medical setting, and calling someone a hypochondriac can sound unkind.

Memory tip

Hypochondria is uncountable, so do not say 'a hypochondria'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

hypochondrium

Common pairings

suffer from hypochondria a bout of hypochondria accused of hypochondria hypochondria and anxiety

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His _____ meant that every small headache made him fear the worst.

Etymology

The word comes from New Latin, from hypochondrium, and was used for a condition thought to have its seat in the upper part of the abdomen.

Origin: New Latin

Synonyms

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hypochondriasis

Rhymes for hypochondria

Odia aria India Syria ataxia Latvia acacia Zambia LGBTQIA ectasia hryvnia begonia

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Frequently asked questions

What is hypochondria?

Hypochondria is excessive worry about having a serious illness. It is no longer a current medical diagnosis.

Is hypochondria still a medical diagnosis?

No. It was formerly defined as a psychological disorder, but it is no longer a current medical diagnosis.

What is another word for hypochondria?

Hypochondriasis is a near-synonym.

What is the meaning of hypochondria?

"hypochondria" (noun) means excessive worry about having a serious illness, once treated as a psychological disorder in its own right but no longer a current medical diagnosis.