VocabDictionary

schizophrenia

/ˌskɪt.səˈfriː.ni.ə/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A severe chronic mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions, often involving delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.

Example Sentences:
  • He was diagnosed with schizophrenia in his early twenties and received long-term support from psychiatric services.
  • Modern treatments combining medication and psychotherapy have greatly improved the quality of life for individuals living with schizophrenia.
2.noun

A state of extreme mental or behavioral inconsistency or conflict, especially within an organization, system, or society.

Example Sentences:
  • The company's economic strategy suffered from a corporate schizophrenia, constantly shifting between aggressive expansion and strict austerity.
  • Political commentators often point out the ideological schizophrenia apparent in the party's conflicting policy platforms.
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English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “schizophrenia”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1910 by the Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler from the Greek 'schizein' (meaning 'to split') and 'phren' (meaning 'mind'). It replaced the older term 'dementia praecox', as Bleuler sought to emphasize that the core feature of the disorder was a fragmentation of mental processes rather than cognitive decline.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Break it down into roots: 'schizo' (split) + 'phren' (mind) + 'ia' (condition). It refers to a splitting or fragmentation of thought processes, not a split personality.

Frequently Asked Questions About “schizophrenia

1. What is the meaning of “schizophrenia” in English?

In English, schizophrenia (noun) is defined as: “A severe chronic mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions, often involving delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.”.

2. How do you use “schizophrenia” in a sentence?

He was diagnosed with schizophrenia in his early twenties and received long-term support from psychiatric services.

3. What are English synonyms of “schizophrenia”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “schizophrenia”?

Coined in 1910 by the Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler from the Greek 'schizein' (meaning 'to split') and 'phren' (meaning 'mind'). It replaced the older term 'dementia praecox', as Bleuler sought to emphasize that the core feature of the disorder was a fragmentation of mental processes rather than cognitive decline.