Looking up...
disorder
/dɪsˈɔːdər/
abnormal condition or disturbance
The doctor diagnosed her with a sleep disorder.
The doctor identified an abnormal sleep pattern as the issue.
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.
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.
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
Antonyms
Related Phrases
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
rootEnglish Dictionary