1
medical
: having or suggesting neurosis
The psychiatrist diagnosed the patient as neurotic.
neurotic symptoms
2
: often or always fearful or worried about something : tending to worry in a way that is not healthy or reasonable
My neurotic mother scolded me for staying out 10 minutes past curfew.
He is neurotic about his job.
a neurotic personality
plural neurotics
1
medical
: a person who has a neurosis
He was diagnosed as a neurotic.
2
: a person who is always fearful or worried about something
He is a neurotic about keeping his clothes neat.
Cite this Entry
“Neurotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/neurotic. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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