Neurotic: meaning, definitions and examples

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neurotic

 

[ nʊəˈrɒtɪk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

mental health

Neurotic refers to a characteristic or behavior related to neurosis, which is a class of mental disorders. Individuals described as neurotic may exhibit excessive anxiety, emotional instability, or obsessive thoughts, but they typically remain in touch with reality. It is often used to describe a person who is overly anxious or worried.

Synonyms

anxious, compulsive, nervous, obsessive

Examples of usage

  • She has a neurotic tendency to overthink everything.
  • His neurotic behavior made it hard for him to relax.
  • The film portrays a neurotic character struggling with relationships.
Context #2 | Noun

mental disorder

A neurotic is a person affected by neurosis. These individuals often grapple with persistent anxiety or irrational fears that can interfere with daily life. While neurotic individuals may not have severe mental illnesses, their symptoms can still be distressing and disruptive.

Synonyms

hypochondriac, obsessive, worrywart

Examples of usage

  • The therapy sessions helped the neurotic to manage their anxiety.
  • As a neurotic, he found social situations particularly challenging.
  • Neurotics often seek help to cope with their feelings.

Translations

Translations of the word "neurotic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 neurótico

🇮🇳 नर्वस

🇩🇪 neurotisch

🇮🇩 neurotik

🇺🇦 невротичний

🇵🇱 neurotyczny

🇯🇵 神経質な

🇫🇷 névrotique

🇪🇸 neurótico

🇹🇷 nevrotik

🇰🇷 신경증적인

🇸🇦 عصبي

🇨🇿 neurotický

🇸🇰 neurotický

🇨🇳 神经质的

🇸🇮 nevrotičen

🇮🇸 neurotískur

🇰🇿 невротикалық

🇬🇪 ნევროტული

🇦🇿 nevrotik

🇲🇽 neurótico

Word origin

The term 'neurotic' originates from the Greek word 'neuron,' meaning 'nerve,' combined with the suffix '-otic,' which pertains to a condition. It was first used in the 19th century to describe a range of psychological symptoms that were believed to stem from problems with the nervous system. The concept evolved alongside psychiatric theories of the time, particularly those proposed by Sigmund Freud, who associated neurotic behavior with internal conflicts and emotional disturbances. Over time, the definition of neurotic has shifted and broadened, encompassing various forms of anxiety and irrational fears, while still maintaining its roots in discussions about mental health and emotional well-being.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,630, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.