hypochondriac
/,haupou'kɔndriæk/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A person who is excessively and abnormally worried about having a serious illness: A hypochondriac is someone who suffers from hypochondria, a condition characterized by a persistent preoccupation with the fear of having, or the idea that one has, a severe disease, based on a misinterpretation of bodily symptoms.
Adjective:
- Relating to or suffering from hypochondria: Describes a state of being affected by hypochondria, or the characteristic worries and behaviors associated with it.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- He was labeled a hypochondriac by his friends because he constantly researched symptoms online.
- The doctor tried to reassure the hypochondriac that the tests showed no signs of disease.
Adjective:
- She had hypochondriac fears about every minor ache.
- His hypochondriac tendencies made it difficult for him to trust medical reassurances.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical Context: In psychology and psychiatry, the term is associated with Illness Anxiety Disorder (a modern diagnostic category that encompasses what was historically called hypochondria).
- The therapist specialized in treating patients with hypochondriac disorders.
Variants and Related Words
- Hypochondria (n): The condition itself; excessive worry about health.
- Her hypochondria led to frequent, unnecessary doctor visits.
- Hypochondriacal (adj): A less common variant of the adjective 'hypochondriac'.
- He displayed hypochondriacal behavior.
Synonyms
- Noun: Valetudinarian, worrywart (informal), health anxiety sufferer.
- Adjective: Health-anxious, morbidly concerned.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To be a hypochondriac: This is the standard phrase to describe someone with this condition.
- Ever since reading that article, he's become a bit of a hypochondriac.
Adjective
- suffering from hypochondria
Noun
- a patient with imaginary symptoms and ailments