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.