disorder

/dɪsˈɔːdər/
nounIntermediate abnormal condition or disturbance
🏥Medicine
Medical

A disturbance in physical, mental, or emotional functioning

Anxiety disorders can significantly impact daily life.

Anxiety disorders often make it difficult for people to function normally.

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Common types include anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

general

A lack of order or regular arrangement

The room was in complete disorder after the party.

The room was messy and untidy after the party.

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In this sense, it is often used to describe physical chaos or confusion.

Collocations

mental disordera condition affecting psychological healtheating disordera condition involving abnormal eating habitsdisorderly conductbehavior that disrupts public order

Related Phrases

disorderly conductphrase
behavior that disrupts public order
disorderly housephrase
a place that is messy or chaotic

💡Pro Tip

Medical vs. General Use

In medical contexts, 'disorder' refers to a diagnosed condition, while in general use, it describes a lack of organization.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

Use 'disorder' carefully in medical contexts to avoid misdiagnosis or trivialization of conditions.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'disordren,' from Old French 'desordre,' from Latin 'dis-' (apart) + 'ordo' (order).

📝Usage Notes

In medical contexts, 'disorder' refers to a diagnosed condition. In general usage, it describes a lack of organization.

Word Breakdown

dis-
apart, not
prefix
+
-order
arrangement, system
root
English Dictionary