Neurosis

[noo-roh-sis, nyoo-] /nʊˈroʊ sɪs, nyʊ-/

noun, plural neuroses
[noo-roh-seez, nyoo-] /nʊˈroʊ siz, nyʊ-/ (Show IPA). Psychiatry.
1.
Also called psychoneurosis. a functional disorder in which feelings of anxiety, obsessional thoughts, compulsive acts, and physical complaints without objective evidence of disease, in various degrees and patterns, dominate the personality.
2.
a relatively mild personality disorder typified by excessive anxiety or indecision and a degree of social or interpersonal maladjustment.
/njʊˈrəʊsɪs/
noun (pl) -ses (-siːz)
1.
a relatively mild mental disorder, characterized by symptoms such as hysteria, anxiety, depression, or obsessive behaviour Also called psychoneurosis
n.

1776, “functional derangement arising from disorders of the nervous system,” coined by Scottish physician William Cullen (1710-1790) from Greek neuron “nerve” (see neuro-) + Modern Latin -osis “abnormal condition.” Used in a general psychological sense since 1871; clinical use in psychiatry dates from 1923.

neurosis neu·ro·sis (nu-rō’sĭs, nyu-)
n. pl. neu·ro·ses (-sēz)

neurosis
(n-rō’sĭs)
A psychological state characterized by excessive anxiety or insecurity without evidence of neurologic or other organic disease, sometimes accompanied by defensive or immature behaviors. This term is no longer used in psychiatric diagnosis.
neurosis [(noo-roh-sis, nyoo-roh-sis)]

A mental disorder marked by anxiety or fear. Neurosis is less severe than psychosis. (See also angst, hysteria, and phobia.)

Note: In popular usage, a “neurotic” is anyone who worries a lot.