Derealization Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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derealization
[dษชหriห.ษ.lษหzeษช.สษn ]
Definition
mental health
A feeling in which one experiences a sense of unreality or detachment from oneself or one's surroundings. It may occur as a symptom of various mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders or trauma.
Synonyms
detachment, disconnection, unreality.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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derealization |
Used in medical or psychological settings to describe a condition where one feels that the external world is unreal or dreamlike. It often appears in discussions about mental health, particularly among those experiencing anxiety, depression, or dissociative disorders.
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disconnection |
Typically used in everyday language to refer to a lack of connection or a severing of a previously existing connection, whether it be emotional, physical, or social. It can carry a negative connotation when referring to relationships or societal ties.
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unreality |
Used less frequently in mainstream vocabulary, 'unreality' often describes a sense of something being not real or imaginary. It can be used in both casual and more formal contexts, and it often has a slightly negative or disconcerting connotation.
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detachment |
Often used both in everyday language and in psychological contexts to describe a state of disengagement or emotional disconnection from people, situations, or one's own feelings. It can carry a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on the context.
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Examples of usage
- Her derealization made her feel like she was living in a dream.
- The derealization caused him to question the reality of his existence.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'derealization'
The term 'derealization' originated from the Latin words 'de-' meaning 'from' and 'realis' meaning 'real'. It was first used in psychology to describe a dissociative symptom in the 20th century. Derealization is often associated with anxiety disorders and trauma, where individuals may feel disconnected from their surroundings or experience a distorted sense of reality.