tanorexia

noun

tan·​o·​rex·​ia ˌta-nə-ˈrek-sē-ə 

-ˈrek-shə

: a compulsive need or desire to have and maintain a very dark tan beyond what is typically considered normal

… tanning becomes a compulsion similar to behavior associated with eating disorders such as anorexia—giving rise to the non-clinical designation of tanorexia.

—Morgan True, Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, Massachusetts), 3 Aug. 2012

Word History

Etymology

blend of tan entry 2 and anorexia

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

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