What does "hypochondria" mean?
A formerly defined psychological disorder characterized by excessive preoccupation or worry about having a serious illness. No longer a current medical diagnosis; see hypochondriasis for more.
Hypochondria
/ˌhaɪpə(ʊ)ˈkɒndriə/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A formerly defined psychological disorder characterized by excessive preoccupation or worry about having a serious illness. No longer a current medical diagnosis; see hypochondriasis for more.
- Grammar: hypochondria is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abstraction, abulia, accident neurosis, alienation.
- Useful contrasts: calm patient, good health, health certainty.
- Usage evidence: Such labours as these, if they do not shorten life, are calculated to make it wretched, for hypochondria invariably follows close upon them.
How to use "hypochondria"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "hypochondria" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "hypochondria" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "hypochondria" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "hypochondria" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "hypochondria" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abstraction" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A formerly defined psychological disorder characterized by excessive preoccupation or worry about having a serious illness. No longer a current medical diagnosis; see hypochondriasis for more. uncountable
"Near-synonym: hypochondriasis"
- 2 plural of hypochondrium form-of, plural
- 3 chronic and abnormal anxiety about imaginary symptoms and ailments wordnet
- 4 Melancholy; depression. obsolete, uncountable
"Such labours as these, if they do not shorten life, are calculated to make it wretched, for hypochondria invariably follows close upon them."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
calm patientgood healthhealth certaintyhealthy person
Example
"Such labours as these, if they do not shorten life, are calculated to make it wretched, for hypochondria invariably follows close upon them."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "hypochondria"?
Common synonyms include: abstraction, abulia, accident neurosis, alienation, anxiety, anxiety equivalent.
How do you use "hypochondria" in a sentence?
Such labours as these, if they do not shorten life, are calculated to make it wretched, for hypochondria invariably follows close upon them.
How do you pronounce "hypochondria"?
Pronounced /ˌhaɪpə(ʊ)ˈkɒndriə/.
Etymology
From New Latin hypochondria (the morbid condition so called, supposed to have its seat in the upper part of the abdomen), from hypochondrium (see English hypochondrium for more).