pathological

adjective

path·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

variants or less commonly pathologic

ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-jik 

1

: of or relating to pathology

pathological research

A pathological examination led to the diagnosis.

2

: altered or caused by disease

pathological changes in the body

also : indicative of disease

pathological symptoms

3

: being such to a degree that is extreme, excessive, or markedly abnormal

a pathological liar

pathological fear

pathologically

ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of pathological in a Sentence

He is a pathological liar.

She has a pathological fear of heights.

pathological changes in the body

Recent Examples on the Web

Robby ends up spending the night with Zara, who seems intent on personally screwing with Tory, either out of some Kreese-esque attempt to get under her enemy’s skin or some pathological need to be the prettiest and most popular girl in the room. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024

Nor for that matter is pathological liar, sociopath or malignant narcissist. —Richard Behar, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Karyn Kusama brings tenderness to the ultimately pathological relationship between Jennifer and Needy (Seyfried), one that is very recognizable to a lot of girls and women. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024

Over time, as the stakes rise, this aversion to conflict starts to feel pathological. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pathologicus "of the study of the passions, of the study of diseases" (borrowed from Greek pathologikós, from patho- patho- + -logikos, from -logia -logy + -ikos -ic entry 1) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pathological

adjective

patho·​log·​i·​cal

ˌpath-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl

variants also pathologic

-ik

1

: of or relating to pathology

2

: changed or caused by disease

3

: being such to a degree that is extreme, excessive, or abnormal

a pathological liar

pathologically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Medical Definition

pathological

adjective

patho·​log·​i·​cal ˌpath-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

variants also pathologic

-ik 

1

: of or relating to pathology

a pathological laboratory

2

: altered or caused by disease

pathological tissue

also : indicative of disease

pathological lesions

pathologically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb