Another Word For Neurotic

Meaning

The term "neurotic" refers to a person who exhibits excessive anxiety, emotional instability, or obsessive behaviors. It often describes someone who struggles with various psychological issues, such as irrational fears, mood swings, and a heightened sensitivity to stress. While neuroticism can manifest in different ways, individuals classified as neurotic typically find it difficult to cope with everyday challenges and may experience significant distress in their personal and social lives.

Synonyms

• Anxious
• High-strung
• Worrywart
• Obsessive
• Compulsive

Antonyms

• Calm
• Stable
• Relaxed
• Collected
• Balanced

Etymology

The word "neurotic" originates from the Greek word "neuron," meaning "nerve," combined with the suffix "-tic," which denotes relating to a particular condition or state. The term became popular in the early 20th century within psychology to describe individuals exhibiting nerve-related disorders.

Examples

1. After a long week of stress, Jane felt particularly neurotic about her upcoming presentation.
2. His neurotic tendencies often led him to double-check everything, from his locks to his work emails.
3. The therapist helped her understand that her neurotic habits were a way of coping with deeper insecurities.
4. In the movie, the neurotic character provided comic relief with his paranoid thoughts and overreactions.
5. While he wasn't diagnosed with a mental disorder, his neurotic behavior in social situations made interactions difficult.