Word
psychosis
Phoneticspsy·chosis
US/saɪˈkoʊsəs/
UK/saɪkˈəʊsɪs/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a serious mental condition where a person loses touch with reality. You might see or hear things that are not there or believe things that are not true.
n. a severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality. Often involves hallucinations or delusions.
Examples
“The patient suffered from a brief period of psychosis.”
“Doctors worked to determine whether the patient's psychosis was caused by a medical condition or a reaction to new medication.”
“Early intervention in cases of drug-induced psychosis is critical to prevent long-term cognitive decline and to help the individual reintegrate into their social and professional environment.”
Examples
simple
“The patient suffered from a brief period of psychosis.”
contextual
“Doctors worked to determine whether the patient's psychosis was caused by a medical condition or a reaction to new medication.”
complex
“Early intervention in cases of drug-induced psychosis is critical to prevent long-term cognitive decline and to help the individual reintegrate into their social and professional environment.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general state; countable when referring to a specific episode or instance.
Real-World Examples
“Lindsay Clancy has admitted killing her daughter and two sons but has pleaded not guilty to murder, saying she was experiencing postpartum psychosis.” “While prosecutors have been arguing that Clancy acted intentionally and should be held criminally responsible, her defense has said she suffered from postpartum psychosis.” Etymology
From psych- + -osis or from Ancient Greek ψύχωσις (psúkhōsis, “animation, principle of life”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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