nervous breakdown

noun

: an attack of mental or emotional disorder especially when of sufficient severity to require hospitalization

Synonyms

• breakdown
• crack-up
• tailspin

Examples of nervous breakdown in a Sentence

She had a nervous breakdown shortly after her sister's death.

He is on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the 2023 series, which was canceled after one season, Depp played pop star Jocelyn, who returns to the limelight after a nervous breakdown forced her to cancel her last tour, becoming involved with self-help guru Tedros (The Weeknd) and his cult. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 Jan. 2025

In that way, this sculpture’s appearance foreshadows the nervous breakdown that caused de Saint Phalle to be committed, with her consent, to a mental institution. —Sarah Belmont, ARTnews.com, 17 Dec. 2024

Can’t a girl have a nervous breakdown/trial separation/midlife crisis/death/divorce in peace around here?! —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024

For some, watching Adams’ Mother on the verge of a nervous breakdown may trigger PTSD. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nervous breakdown

noun

: an attack of mental or emotional disorder that is severe enough to require hospitalization

Medical Definition

nervous breakdown

noun

: an attack of mental or emotional disorder especially when of sufficient severity to require hospitalization