pseudocyesis

noun

pseu·​do·​cy·​e·​sis ˌsü-dō-sī-ˈē-səs 

: a psychosomatic state that occurs without conception and is marked by some of the physical symptoms and changes in hormonal balance of pregnancy

Examples of pseudocyesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Defense attorneys tried to argue that Montgomery was suffering from pseudocyesis and was in a dissociative state at the time of the murder. —Madeleine Kearns, National Review, 11 Jan. 2021

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from pseud- + cyesis pregnancy, from Greek kyēsis, from kyein to be pregnant — more at cyme

First Known Use

circa 1817, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

pseudocyesis

noun

pseu·​do·​cy·​e·​sis -sī-ˈē-səs 

plural pseudocyeses -ˌsēz 

: a psychosomatic state that occurs without conception and is marked by some of the physical symptoms (as cessation of menses, enlargement of the abdomen, and apparent fetal movements) and changes in hormonal balance of pregnancy