Meaning & Definition of word "Neurotic"
Neurotic
/njʊəˈrɒtɪk/
noun:
- 1. a person who is prone to neurosis or exhibits neurotic behavior.
- Example: He often felt like a neurotic, constantly worrying about things that were out of his control.
- 2. a person suffering from a neurosis.
- Example: The neurotic in the novel struggled with obsessive thoughts and compulsive habits.
adjective:
- 1. characterized by or prone to neurosis; excessively anxious or emotionally unstable.
- Example: Her neurotic tendencies made it difficult for her to relax in social situations.
- 2. relating to a mental or emotional disorder that is not caused by any physical illness.
- Example: The therapist noted that his neurotic behavior stemmed from childhood trauma.
Etymology
●From the Greek 'neurosis', meaning 'nervous disease', combined with the suffix '-tic'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
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.
Slang Meanings of neurotic
Meaning: Worry wart
● Example Sentence: Stop being such a worry wart and enjoy the moment.
Meaning: Basket case
● Example Sentence: After all the stress, he's a total basket case now.