# psychosis

/saɪˈkoʊsəs/ (US) · /saɪkˈəʊsɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/psychosis
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general state; countable when referring to a specific episode or instance.

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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.