neurosis
Neurosis (noun) means a pattern of excessive anxiety or fear that is not severe enough to be classed as psychosis but still disrupts everyday functioning. Example: “His constant worrying about germs bordered on neurosis.”
How to use neurosis
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn anxiety-driven mental disorder, milder than psychosis.
Neurosis involves anxiety while still being in touch with reality; psychosis involves losing touch with reality, such as through delusions or hallucinations.
Word forms
neuroses plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His constant worrying about germs bordered on _____.
Etymology
From neuro- ("nerve") plus -sis, originally reflecting the old idea that such disorders came from problems in the nerves.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for neurosis
Frequently asked questions
What does “neurosis” mean?
The word “neurosis” means a pattern of excessive anxiety or fear that is not severe enough to be classed as psychosis but still disrupts everyday functioning. In plain terms, an anxiety-driven mental disorder, milder than psychosis.
How do you pronounce “neurosis”?
“Neurosis” is pronounced nuu-ROH-sihs (/n(j)ʊˈɹoʊ̯.sɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “neurosis” in a sentence?
Here is “neurosis” used in a sentence: “His constant worrying about germs bordered on neurosis.”
What part of speech is “neurosis”?
“Neurosis” is a noun.
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