dysphoria

noun

dys·​pho·​ria dis-ˈfȯr-ē-ə How to pronounce dysphoria (audio)
plural dysphorias
: a state of feeling very unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied
Paradoxically, chronic cocaine use eventually leads to dysphoria—a depressed, low-energy state characterized by flattened emotions, a lack of interest in sex, and physical immobility.James Lieber
see also gender dysphoria

Examples of dysphoria in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In other developments, Tao and Elle’s attempt to get physical triggers her dysphoria, Isaac appears to have been cast in the role of third wheel, and like fellow sixth-former Nick, Tara is feeling the pressure of basically deciding her whole future. Charlie Mason, TVLine, 17 Sep. 2024 Marijuana with a high THC-to-CBD ratio increases the risk of dysphoria and panic. Mark A. R. Kleiman, Foreign Affairs, 28 June 2018 As for trans students, periods can exacerbate the dysphoria experienced by some transgender kids. Lisa Jarvis, The Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2024 Facial hair modifications like facial hair grafts and hair removal through procedures like electrolysis can be a crucial part of alleviating dysphoria for many trans people. Charlie Markbreiter, Them, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for dysphoria 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, borrowed from Greek dysphoría "malaise, discomfort, vexation," from dýsphoros "hard to bear, grievous" (from dys- dys- + -phoros, nominal ablaut derivative from the base of phérein "to carry, bear") + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at bear entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dysphoria was circa 1842

Dictionary Entries Near dysphoria

dysphonia

dysphoria

dysphoric

Cite this Entry

“Dysphoria.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dysphoria. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

dysphoria

noun
dys·​pho·​ria dis-ˈfōr-ē-ə, -ˈfȯr- How to pronounce dysphoria (audio)
1
: a state of feeling very unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied
Since early adolescence she had had periods of a few days to a week of dysphoria, crying spells, decreased sleep with early-morning awakening …Edmund C. Settle, Jr., The Journal of the American Medical Association
Experimental subjects report intense euphoria, sometimes followed by a "crash," or extreme dysphoria, and a craving for more cocaine.Craig Van Dyke and Robert Byck, Scientific American
compare euphoria sense 1
2
: gender dysphoria
Gender confirmation surgery … can assist most patients in relieving their dysphoria and reduce the risk of associated symptoms such as depression, suicidality, anxiety, drug abuse, and social isolation.Nick Esmonde et al., Journal of Craniofacial Surgery

More from Merriam-Webster on dysphoria

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