hypochondria — excessive worry about having a serious illness despite medical reassurance
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: excessive worry about having a serious illness despite medical reassurance
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌhaɪpəˈkɑːndriə/
Example Sentences
- My friend's hypochondria is so bad that he googles every tiny symptom and convinces himself he has a rare disease.
- Her hypochondria led to countless medical appointments and unnecessary stress.
- Ever since watching that medical drama, his hypochondria has gotten worse and he thinks every headache is a brain tumor.
hypochondria
NOUN[/ˌhaɪpəˈkɑːndriə/]
excessive worry about having a serious illness despite medical reassurance
He insists his mild cough is hypochondria's worst nightmare — a rare tropical disease.
Hypochondria makes you fear bacteria, even in the cafeteria!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Ancient Greek, the term derives from the belief that depression and anxiety originated in the upper abdomen, below the ribs. Originally denoting melancholy or depression, the meaning gradually evolved to refer to excessive worry about one's health.
Breakdown
hypo- (below, under) + chondria (cartilage, ribs), literally 'the condition below the ribs,' reflecting the ancient medical theory that attributed emotional disturbances to the abdominal region.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My friend's hypochondria is so bad that he googles every tiny symptom and convinces himself he has a rare disease.”
“Her hypochondria led to countless medical appointments and unnecessary stress.”
“Ever since watching that medical drama, his hypochondria has gotten worse and he thinks every headache is a brain tumor.”
“Therapy helped her understand that her hypochondria was rooted in anxiety rather than actual health problems.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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