# anorexia

/ˌænɝˈɛksiə/ (US) · /ˌænɔːɹˈɛksiə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anorexia
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. eating disorder

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a serious mental health condition where a person limits their food intake to a dangerous level because they fear gaining weight.

For teachers: Abbreviation for anorexia nervosa; a clinical eating disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat.

- The doctor explained that anorexia is a complex illness that requires professional support.
- Early intervention is critical in treating anorexia, as the physiological effects of prolonged starvation can become life-threatening without specialized psychiatric care.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun in general contexts.

### 2. loss of appetite

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a medical symptom where you lose your desire to eat, often because of a physical illness or medication.

For teachers: The symptomatic loss of appetite for food, occurring as a secondary effect of various physiological diseases or medical treatments.

- One side effect of the new medication was a temporary anorexia.
- The patient presented with significant weight loss and persistent anorexia following the aggressive course of chemotherapy.

Usage: In this sense, it is frequently used as a countable noun to describe a specific symptom.

## Examples

- The doctor is treating her for anorexia.
- Early intervention is vital for patients showing signs of anorexia to prevent long-term damage to the heart and bones.
- While often discussed in a purely physical context, anorexia is a complex psychological condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach involving both nutritional support and intensive psychotherapy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.