psychoneurosis

noun

psy·​cho·​neu·​ro·​sis ˌsī-kō-nu̇-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce psychoneurosis (audio)
-nyu̇-
: neurosis
especially : a neurosis based on emotional conflict in which an impulse that has been blocked seeks expression in a disguised response or symptom
psychoneurotic adjective or noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In February, 1933, she was admitted to a hospital for psychoneurosis. Roxana Robinson, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2019 Georgia fell into a depression in 1933 after an aborted mural commission at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, and checked into Manhattan’s Doctors Hospital to be treated for psychoneurosis. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'psychoneurosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychoneurosis was in 1879

Dictionary Entries Near psychoneurosis

Cite this Entry

“Psychoneurosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychoneurosis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Medical Definition

psychoneurosis

noun
psy·​cho·​neu·​ro·​sis -n(y)u̇-ˈrō-səs How to pronounce psychoneurosis (audio)
plural psychoneuroses -ˌsēz How to pronounce psychoneurosis (audio)
: neurosis
especially : a neurosis based on emotional conflict in which an impulse that has been blocked seeks expression in a disguised response or symptom compare actual neurosis

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