Neurotic
/n(j)ʊəˈɹɒtɪk/ adj, noun, slang
adj, noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A person who has a neurosis.
- 2 a person suffering from neurosis wordnet
- 3 A crazy person. informal
"Drag this neurotic to hysterics, leave him balked and unfulfilled; holding inside, outwardly patient 'til the time he'll call it."
Adjective
- 1 Affected with a neurosis. not-comparable
"If there were such a thing as inspiration from a higher realm, it might well be that the neurotic temperament would furnish the chief condition of the requisite receptivity."
- 2 Overly anxious. informal, not-comparable
"He is getting neurotic about time-keeping."
- 3 Useful in disorders of, or affecting, the nerves. not-comparable
Adjective
- 1 affected with emotional disorder wordnet
- 2 characteristic of or affected by neurosis wordnet
Example
More examples"When someone becomes neurotic about pens and paper clips, it's a sure sign they're cracking up."
Etymology
Formed of neuro- (“of nerves or the nervous system”) + -otic (“having abnormal condition”). The initial element, in turn, is from Ancient Greek νεῦρον (neûron, “nerve”). Attested from the 17th century. Compare French névrotique.