Meaning & Definition of word "Psychosomatic"
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Psychosomatic
/ˌsaɪ.koʊ.səˈmæt.ɪk/
adjective:
- 1. Relating to or denoting a disorder that originates in the mind rather than in the body.
- Example: Her psychosomatic symptoms included headaches and fatigue, which were triggered by stress.
- 2. Of or relating to the interaction between the mind and the body, often manifesting as physical symptoms due to emotional or psychological factors.
- Example: The psychosomatic effects of anxiety can lead to various physical ailments.
- 3. Describing a condition wherein psychological factors significantly influence physical health.
- Example: He was diagnosed with a psychosomatic illness after extensive medical tests revealed no physical cause for his pain.
Etymology
From the Greek words 'psyche' meaning 'soul' and 'soma' meaning 'body'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
psychosomatic illness:
An illness that involves both mind and body, often where emotional factors play a central role in physical symptoms.
psychosomatic disorder:
A disorder where psychological stress leads to physical symptoms.
mind-body connection:
The relationship between one's thoughts and emotional state and their physical health.
Related Words
somatic:
Pertaining to the body, often used in contrast with psychological.
psychology:
The scientific study of the mind and behavior.
neurosis:
A class of functional mental disorders characterized by anxiety.
Slang Meanings of psychosomatic
Meaning: Mind over matter.
Example Sentence: He's realigning his life; it's a classic case of mind over matter.
Meaning: Stress headache.
Example Sentence: I think my stress headache is totally psychosomatic.