pathological

UK: ˌpæθəˈlɒdʒɪkəl | US: ˌpæθəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl

Definition

  1. adj. relating to or caused by disease

  2. adj. (of a person) compulsively or uncontrollably affected by a condition (e.g., pathological liar)

  3. adj. extreme or unreasonable in a way that is abnormal

Structure
patho <disease, suffering>log <study, science>ical <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "pathological" traces back to Greek roots:

  • "patho" derives from Greek pathos (πάθος), meaning "suffering" or "disease."
  • "log" comes from Greek -logia (-λογία), meaning "study" or "discourse."
  • The suffix "-ical" (from Latin -icalis) forms adjectives.

Originally used in medical contexts to describe disease-related phenomena, "pathological" later expanded metaphorically to describe extreme or compulsive behaviors (e.g., "pathological liar"). The term retains its scientific precision while adapting to psychological and colloquial usage.

Examples

  1. The doctor identified a pathological condition in the patient's liver.

  2. His pathological fear of germs made him wash his hands dozens of times a day.

  3. The study focused on the pathological effects of long-term stress.

  4. She was diagnosed with pathological gambling disorder.

  5. The tumor was deemed pathological after further tests.