neurotic
UK: njʊəˈrɒtɪk | US: nʊˈrɑːtɪk
adj. relating to or suffering from neurosis; excessively anxious or obsessive
n. a person prone to excessive anxiety or emotional instability
neurotic = neur<nerve> + otic<adjective suffix>
- neur (from Greek neuron, meaning "nerve")
- otic (adjective-forming suffix, from Greek -ōtikos, indicating relation or pertaining to)
Etymology Origin:
The term neurotic originates from 18th-century medical Latin neuroticus, derived from Greek neuron (nerve). It initially described nervous system disorders but later evolved in psychology to denote emotional instability or excessive anxiety. The suffix -otic transforms the root into an adjective, emphasizing a connection to nervous conditions.
Her neurotic habits included checking the door locks repeatedly.
The therapist specialized in treating neurotic patients.
He became neurotic about deadlines, losing sleep over minor delays.
The character’s neurotic behavior added humor to the film.
Chronic stress can lead to neurotic tendencies over time.