Derealization Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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derealization

[dษชหŒriห.ษ™.lษ™หˆzeษช.สƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

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.

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Word Description / Examples
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.

  • She described her symptoms of derealization to the therapist, explaining that everything around her felt like a dream.
  • For those suffering from derealization, everyday life might seem distant and surreal.
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.

  • After moving to a new city, he felt a sense of disconnection from his old friends.
  • The disconnection between the two devices caused the software to malfunction.
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.

  • The sense of unreality made it hard for her to focus on the task at hand.
  • Walking through the abandoned city gave him an eerie feeling of unreality.
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.

  • His detachment from the situation allowed him to think more clearly.
  • Her emotional detachment is a defense mechanism to avoid getting hurt.

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

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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.