neurotically
She neurotically checks the lock on the front door three times before leaving.
Adverb: In a manner characterized by, relating to, or affected by neurosis; with excessive anxiety, emotional instability, or obsessive behavior.
The adverb "neurotically" describes how an action is performed. It modifies verbs to indicate that the action is done with the intense, often irrational anxiety, worry, or compulsiveness associated with neurotic behavior.
- She checked the door locks neurotically five times before going to bed.
- He was neurotically obsessed with cleanliness, washing his hands every few minutes.
- The manager neurotically micromanaged every small detail of the project.
- "neurotically adjusted": A phrase suggesting a state of being finely tuned or adapted, but with an underlying and excessive sensitivity or instability. It implies functioning well but at the cost of significant nervous strain or compulsive mechanisms.
- The characters in the novel are finely, not to say neurotically, adjusted to their oppressive environment.
- Neurotic (adjective): Affected by or characteristic of neurosis.
- He had a neurotic fear of germs.
- Neurosis (noun): A relatively mild mental disorder involving symptoms of stress (depression, anxiety, obsessive behavior) but not a radical loss of touch with reality.
- Neurotically is the adverbial form of the adjective neurotic.
- Obsessively
- Compulsively
- Anxiously
- Hysterically (in some contexts)
- Overly sensitively
- Calmly
- Serenely
- Nonchalantly
- Healthily
- Normally
The term originates from the concept of "neurosis." While in historical/clinical contexts it referred to a specific class of mental conditions, in modern general usage, "neurotically" often describes everyday behavior that is excessively fretful, worried, or perfectionistic beyond what is considered typical or healthy. It does not describe a psychotic break from reality.
She neurotically checks the lock on the front door three times before leaving.
- in a neurotic manner
- they are finely, not to say neurotically adjusted