Neurotic

/njʊəˈrɒtɪk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a person who is prone to neurosis or exhibits neurotic behavior.

He often felt like a neurotic, constantly worrying about things that were out of his control.

a person suffering from a neurosis.

The neurotic in the novel struggled with obsessive thoughts and compulsive habits.

adjective

characterized by or prone to neurosis; excessively anxious or emotionally unstable.

Her neurotic tendencies made it difficult for her to relax in social situations.

relating to a mental or emotional disorder that is not caused by any physical illness.

The therapist noted that his neurotic behavior stemmed from childhood trauma.

From the Greek 'neurosis', meaning 'nervous disease', combined with the suffix '-tic'.

neurotic behavior

Actions or reactions that are indicative of neurosis, often excessive or irrational.

neurotic breakdown

A state of mental collapse caused by overwhelming emotional distress.

neurotic person

An individual who frequently exhibits signs of neurosis.

neurosis

A mild mental illness involving anxiety or obsessive behavior.

psychosis

A severe mental disorder involving a loss of contact with reality.

anxiety

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

Worry wart

Stop being such a worry wart and enjoy the moment.

Basket case

After all the stress, he's a total basket case now.