Psychosis
/saɪˈkoʊ.sɪs/noun
A severe mental disorder where thought and emotions are impaired, leading to a disconnect from reality.
Did you know?The roots of 'psychosis' connect to ancient beliefs about the soul's turmoil, suggesting that mental disturbances may be seen as battles of the spirit.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ψυχή (psychē)
“soul, spirit, or breath of life.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-ωσις (-osis)
“a suffix indicating a process or condition.”
19th Century
English
psychosis
“a term coined to describe a condition of the soul or mind.”
Modern English
English
psychosis
“a classification of severe mental disorders characterized by impaired reality.”
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