psychosis

noun

psy·​cho·​sis sī-ˈkō-səs 

plural psychoses sī-ˈkō-ˌsēz 

: a serious mental illness (such as schizophrenia) characterized by defective or lost contact with reality often with hallucinations or delusions

Examples of psychosis in a Sentence

The patient suffers from some kind of psychosis.

Recent Examples on the Web

Recreational or self-prescribed use carries risks like addiction, bladder damage and psychosis — risks rarely mentioned in viral posts. —John Samuels, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Their trials only escalate from there, as the siblings try to stave off malnourishment and psychosis. —Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 4 June 2025

Medical studies link a variety of potential health problems to some strains of THC, including respiratory problems, seizures, schizophrenia, and psychosis. —Andrew Schneider, NPR, 17 Apr. 2025

Postpartum psychosis has a high potential suicide and infanticidal risk, and women experiencing symptoms should get help right away. —Kaitlyn May, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for psychosis

• cirrhosis
• fibrosis
• gliosis
• hypnosis
• ichthyosis
• ketosis
• kurtosis
• lordosis
• meiosis
• miosis
• mitosis
• mycosis

Kids Definition

psychosis

noun

psy·​cho·​sis sī-ˈkō-səs 

plural psychoses -ˈkō-ˌsēz 

: a serious mental illness marked by loss of or greatly lessened ability to test whether what one is thinking and feeling about the real world is really true

Medical Definition

psychosis

noun

psy·​cho·​sis sī-ˈkō-səs 

plural psychoses -ˌsēz 

: a serious mental illness (as schizophrenia) characterized by defective or lost contact with reality often with hallucinations or delusions