How Do You Spell HYPOCHONDRIACAL?

Pronunciation: [hˌa͡ɪpə͡ʊkˈɒndɹɪˌakə͡l] (IPA)

The word "hypochondriacal" is a tricky one to spell. It starts with the prefix "hypochondriac-" (hypo-kɒn-drɪ-æk), which means excessive worrying about one's health. The next part of the word is "-al" (-əl), which is a common suffix used to form adjectives. Putting them together, we get "hypochondriacal" (hypo-kɒn-drɪ-əkəl). This word describes someone who is excessively worried or anxious about their health, and while it may be difficult to spell, it's a word that is frequently employed in the medical world.

HYPOCHONDRIACAL Meaning and Definition

1. Hypochondriacal is an adjective that refers to a person who is excessively concerned about their health and often convinced that they are suffering from serious illnesses, despite not having any significant medical evidence to support such beliefs. The term is derived from the word hypochondria, which is a psychological condition characterized by an extreme and persistent preoccupation with one's physical health.

   Individuals who are hypochondriacal generally exhibit a range of symptoms associated with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. They tend to constantly monitor their bodily sensations, interpreting minor physical discomforts as signs of severe diseases. This often leads to heightened worry, distress, and frequent doctor visits, even when medical professionals find no evidence of a serious illness.

   Hypochondriacal individuals commonly experience excessive anxiety and fear about their health, and they may constantly seek reassurance from healthcare providers, family members, or friends. Although they are often aware that their concerns might be unfounded, they find it challenging to dismiss their fears and may become preoccupied with potential illnesses. This preoccupation can adversely affect their daily lives, causing significant distress, interfering with their relationships, and leading to a decline in their overall wellbeing.

   It is important to distinguish hypochondriacal behavior from legitimate health concerns and to seek professional help when the worry becomes excessive or interferes with one's ability to function normally. Treatment approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication can be helpful in addressing the underlying anxiety and reducing the hypochondriacal tendencies in individuals.

2. Relating to, or suffering from, hypochondriasis.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. Affected by depression of spirits or melancholy.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for HYPOCHONDRIACAL

• gypochondriacal
• bypochondriacal
• nypochondriacal
• jypochondriacal
• uypochondriacal
• yypochondriacal
• htpochondriacal
• hgpochondriacal
• hhpochondriacal
• hupochondriacal
• h7pochondriacal
• h6pochondriacal
• hyoochondriacal
• hylochondriacal
• hy-ochondriacal
• hy0ochondriacal
• hypichondriacal
• hypkchondriacal
• hyplchondriacal

Etymology of HYPOCHONDRIACAL

The word "hypochondriacal" derives from the term "hypochondria".

"Hypochondria" comes from the Greek words "hypo" meaning "under" and "chondros" meaning "cartilage" or "sternum". In ancient Greek medicine, it was believed that the area under the ribcage was the seat of melancholy, fever, and various physical disorders. This area was referred to as "the hypochondrium".

Over time, "hypochondria" evolved to refer to a psychological condition characterized by excessive concern about one's health, often involving imagined or exaggerated symptoms. As an adjective, "hypochondriacal" describes someone or something related to or characteristic of hypochondria.

Similar spelling words for HYPOCHONDRIACAL

• hypochondriac,
• hypochondria,
• hypochondrium,
• hypochondriasis.