erethism

noun

er·e·thism ˈer-ə-ˌthi-zəm

: abnormal irritability or responsiveness to stimulation

Word History

Etymology

French éréthisme, from Greek erethismos irritation, from erethizein to irritate; akin to Greek ornynai to rouse — more at orient entry 2

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of erethism was in 1800

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erethic

erethism

Erethizon

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Style

“Erethism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erethism. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.

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Medical Definition

erethism

noun

er·e·thism ˈer-ə-ˌthiz-əm

: abnormal irritability or responsiveness to stimulation

erethic

ə-ˈreth-ik, er-ˈeth-

adjective

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erethism

noun

Word History

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Medical Definition

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