Hypochondriacal: meaning, definitions and examples
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hypochondriacal
[ ˌhaɪ.pəˈkɒn.drɪ.æk.əl ]
medical condition
Hypochondriacal refers to an excessive preoccupation with having a serious illness or concern about one's health. Individuals who display hypochondriacal tendencies often misinterpret benign bodily sensations as signs of severe medical conditions. This behavior can contribute to undue stress and anxiety, impacting their daily life and overall well-being. It is important for those experiencing such feelings to seek appropriate psychological support to address their concerns.
Synonyms
anxious, health-obsessed, neurotic
Examples of usage
- He became hypochondriacal after reading about diseases online.
- Her hypochondriacal tendencies made it difficult for her to enjoy life.
- Despite numerous tests showing otherwise, he remained hypochondriacal.
Translations
Translations of the word "hypochondriacal" in other languages:
🇵🇹 hipocondríaco
🇮🇳 हाइपोकॉन्ड्रिऐकल
🇩🇪 hypochondrisch
🇮🇩 hipokondria
🇺🇦 гіпохондричний
🇵🇱 hipohondryczny
🇯🇵 ヒポコンドリア的
🇫🇷 hypocondriaque
🇪🇸 hipocondríaco
🇹🇷 hipokondriyak
🇰🇷 우울증 환자
🇸🇦 مريض وسواس المرض
🇨🇿 hypochondrický
🇸🇰 hypochondrický
🇨🇳 病态心理的
🇸🇮 hipohondričen
🇮🇸 hypochondriac
🇰🇿 гипохондриялық
🇬🇪 ჰიპოქონდრიული
🇦🇿 hipokondriyal
🇲🇽 hipocondríaco
Etymology
The term 'hypochondriacal' is rooted in the concept of 'hypochondria,' which derives from the Greek word 'hypokhondria,' meaning 'under the cartilage' (where the liver and spleen are situated). In ancient medical thought, it was believed that issues in this area of the body were linked to mental disturbances. The notion of hypochondria evolved through the ages, becoming associated with an imbalance in the body's humors and a tendency to worry excessively about health. By the 19th century, 'hypochondria' began to be used to describe patients who constantly feared they were ill despite a lack of medical evidence. Today, the term hypochondriacal is often used to describe the emotional and mental state of those who are excessively anxious about their health.