depersonalization

noun

de·​per·​son·​al·​i·​za·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌpər-snə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-ˌpər-sə-nə-lə-

1

a

: an act or process of depersonalizing

b

: the quality or state of being depersonalized

2

: a psychopathological syndrome characterized by loss of identity and feelings of unreality and strangeness about one's own behavior

Examples of depersonalization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Frequently Asked Questions How is depersonalization different from depersonalization disorder? —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Health, 3 July 2024

Because depersonalization and derealization are so similar, some people with depersonalization disorder may also experience derealization disorder. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Health, 3 July 2024

There’s also a depersonalization process, during which photos and some furniture might be taken down. —Blake Bakkila, Sunset Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024

Striking the right balance Critics may express concerns about the potential depersonalization of financial advice with the increasing role of AI. —Bob Rubin, Fortune, 5 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Medical Definition

depersonalization

noun

de·​per·​son·​al·​iza·​tion

variants or British depersonalisation

(ˌ)dē-ˌpər-snə-lə-ˈzā-shən, -ˌpərs-ᵊn-ə-lə- 

: the act or process of causing or the state resulting from loss of the sense of personal identity

especially : a psychopathological syndrome characterized by loss of identity and feelings of unreality or strangeness about one's own behavior

depersonalize transitive verb

or British depersonalise

(ˈ)dē-ˈpər-snə-ˌlīz, -ˈpərs-ᵊn-ə- 

depersonalized or British depersonalised; depersonalizing or British depersonalising