psychasthenia

noun

psych·​as·​the·​nia ˌsī-kəs-ˈthē-nē-ə How to pronounce psychasthenia (audio)
: a neurotic state characterized especially by phobias, obsessions, or compulsions that one knows are irrational
psychasthenic
ˌsī-kəs-ˈthe-nik How to pronounce psychasthenia (audio)
adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French psychasthénie, from psych- psych- + asthénie asthenia

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychasthenia was in 1900

Rhymes for psychasthenia

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Browse Nearby Words

psychal
psychasthenia
psyche
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Cite this Entry

“Psychasthenia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychasthenia. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

psychasthenia

noun
psych·​as·​the·​nia ˌsī-kəs-ˈthē-nē-ə How to pronounce psychasthenia (audio)
: a neurotic state characterized especially by phobias, obsessions, or compulsions that one knows are irrational
psychasthenic
-ˈthen-ik How to pronounce psychasthenia (audio)
adjective
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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