hypochondria etymology

Etymology

• Greek: ὑποχόνδριον (hupokhondrion)
  • "under the cartilage"

Meaning

• A mental disorder in which a person is excessively preoccupied with their health and body functions, leading to an exaggerated fear of illness.

Origin

The term "hypochondria" was first used in the 17th century to describe a condition characterized by excessive concern about one's health. The name is derived from the Greek word "hupokhondrion," which refers to the region of the body below the cartilage of the ribs. In ancient times, it was believed that emotional disturbances could arise from physical imbalances in this area.

Evolution of the Term

Over time, the term "hypochondria" has evolved to encompass a broader range of symptoms and behaviors associated with excessive health anxiety. It is now recognized as a mental health condition that can cause significant distress and impairment in daily life.

hypochondria relate terms

• hype

  Etymology First attested in English in the 1890s Shortened form of hyperbole which

• hyperbole

  Etymology The word hyperbole comes from the Greek word hyperbolē which means overt

• hyper

  Etymology The word hyper is derived from the Greek prefix ὑπέρ huper meani

• hypochondria

  Etymology Greek ὑποχόνδριον hupokhondrion under the cartilage Mean

• hypochondriasis

  Etymology The word hypochondriasis derives from ancient Greek hypo ὑπό mean

• hypochondria

  Etymology Greek ὑποχόνδριον hupokhondrion under the cartilage Mean

• ignore

  Noun cat dog tree car book Verb run jump walk talk eat Adjective big small red

• region

  Etymology The word region derives from the Latin word regiō meaning district ter

• anxiety

  Etymology The word anxiety comes from the Latin word anxietas which means anxiety

• stomach

  Etymology Indo European Root s teg meaning to cover Proto Germanic stogmaz

• belly

  Etymology The word belly comes from the Old English word belig which itself has mul

• abdomen

  Etymology Latin abdomen from Medieval Latin abdomen Greek ἀβδόμην abdomen

• area

  Etymology The word area comes from the Latin word area which means open space or

• corner

  Etymology The word corner comes from the Old French word corn which in turn comes fr

• ineffable

  Etymology The word ineffable comes from the Latin word ineffabilis which means uns