Schizophrenic: meaning, definitions and examples

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schizophrenic

 

[ ˌskɪtsəˈfrɛnɪk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

mental health

Schizophrenic refers to a person suffering from schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, and sense of self. It can manifest through delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized behavior.

Synonyms

mentally ill, psychotic.

Examples of usage

  • He was diagnosed as schizophrenic at a young age.
  • Schizophrenic symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.
  • The challenges faced by individuals who are schizophrenic are often compounded by stigma.
Context #2 | Noun

mental condition

A schizophrenic is a person diagnosed with schizophrenia. Symptoms may include false beliefs, hearing voices, or experiencing a disconnect from reality, which severely impacts their social and personal functioning.

Synonyms

psychotic individual, schizophrenia sufferer.

Examples of usage

  • Many schizophrenics require ongoing treatment and support.
  • The film depicted the life of a schizophrenic and their struggles.
  • Schizophrenics may sometimes find it difficult to maintain relationships.

Etymology

The word 'schizophrenic' originated from the Greek words 'schizein' meaning 'to split' and 'phren' meaning 'mind'. It was first introduced into psychiatric terminology by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911, who redefined the condition known earlier as 'dementia praecox' to indicate a spectrum of disorders affecting thought processes, emotional response, and behavior. The term reflects the characteristic fragmentation of an individual's thoughts and emotions typical of the disorder. Over the decades, the understanding and perception of schizophrenia have evolved significantly, both scientifically and socially. The stigma surrounding schizophrenia and specifically the label of being 'schizophrenic' has persisted, leading to ongoing efforts within mental health advocacy to promote awareness and reduce discrimination against those affected by this complex condition.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,043, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.