anorexia

noun

an·​orex·​ia ˌa-nə-ˈrek-sē-ə 

-ˈrek-shə

1

: loss of appetite especially when prolonged

2

: anorexia nervosa

Examples of anorexia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After struggling with anorexia for most of her life, in 2018, Jane was living in Colorado Springs and getting help for her mental health disabilities, including her eating disorder. —Matt Vallière, Denver Post, 2 Oct. 2025

When Brazilian model Ana Caroline Reston died of anorexia in 2006, the designer became the first to stop working with models with a body mass index below 18. —Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Its users can also experience anorexia, insomnia, seizures and hallucinations. —Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 2025

In the years that followed, they were hospitalized repeatedly for depression and anorexia, rotating through different medications and treatment plans. —Charlotte Alter, Time, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French anorexie, borrowed from Late Latin anorexia "lack of appetite," borrowed from Greek anorexía, from anórektos "without appetite" + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at anorectic entry 1

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing anorexia

• anorexia nervosa

Rhymes for anorexia

• alexia
• cachexia
• dyslexia
• hyperpyrexia

Kids Definition

anorexia

noun

an·​orex·​ia ˌan-ə-ˈrek-sē-ə 

: anorexia nervosa

Medical Definition

anorexia

noun

an·​orex·​ia ˌan-ə-ˈrek-sē-ə, -ˈrek-shə 

1

: loss of appetite especially when prolonged

2

: anorexia nervosa