Hypochondriac

/ˌhaɪpəˈkɒndriæk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who is excessively worried about their health and often believes they have serious diseases without significant medical evidence.

Despite numerous medical tests showing he was healthy, Mark remained a hypochondriac, constantly fearing that he had a serious illness.

An individual suffering from hypochondria, a condition characterized by an obsession with the idea of having a serious but undiagnosed medical condition.

She visited the doctor multiple times a month, confirming her reputation as a hypochondriac among her friends.

A person who is overly concerned with their physical state.

His friends often joked that he was a hypochondriac because he would go online to research symptoms for every little ache.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'hypo' meaning 'under' and 'chondros' meaning 'cartilage' (referring to the area under the rib cage, where anxiety about illness is often felt).

Common Phrases and Expressions

health nut

A person who is extremely concerned with their health and fitness, often to an obsessive degree.

germaphobe

A person who is extremely afraid of germs, often leading to excessive cleanliness and avoidance of potential contamination.

worried well

Individuals who are healthy but worry excessively about their health.

Related Words

hypochondria

Excessive worry about having a serious illness.

somatization

The expression of psychological distress through physical symptoms.

Slang Meanings

worrywart

Don't be such a worrywart; you're perfectly healthy.

drama queen

He’s acting like a real drama queen, going on about every little ache.