Meaning & Definition of word "Schizophrenic"

Schizophrenic

/ˌskɪtsəˈfrɛnɪk/

noun:

  • 1. a person who has schizophrenia.
    • Example: Many misconceptions surround the lives of schizophrenics, often leading to stigma.
  • 2. anyone exhibiting extreme behavior or divided thought processes.
    • Example: In the story, the protagonist is portrayed as a schizophrenic, struggling to reconcile different aspects of his life.

adjective:

  • 1. of or relating to schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterized by a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behavior.
    • Example: The patient exhibited many schizophrenic symptoms, including hallucinations and disorganized thinking.
  • 2. characterized by conflicting or contradictory elements.
    • Example: The company's schizophrenic approach to marketing led to confusion among consumers.

Etymology

From the Greek 'schizo' meaning split and 'phrenia' meaning mind.

Common Phrases and Expressions

schizophrenic episode:

A period of time during which an individual experiences symptoms of schizophrenia.

schizophrenic break:

A sudden onset of severe symptoms, often leading to a loss of touch with reality.

Related Words

schizophrenia:

A mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and other cognitive difficulties.

psychosis:

A mental health condition that causes thoughts and emotions to be so impaired that contact is lost with external reality.

Slang Meanings of schizophrenic

Meaning: Schizo

Example Sentence: He’s acting really schizo today; I can’t keep up with his thoughts.

Meaning: Split brain

Example Sentence: She joked about having a split brain during her chaotic day.