psychotic
word
Definition
Having or related to psychosis, a serious mental condition in which a person may lose touch with reality, for example through delusions or hallucinations. It can describe a person, symptoms, or a mental state, and it is mainly used in medical or psychological contexts.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly a clinical term, so be careful using it casually about someone's behavior. Common combinations include 'psychotic episode', 'psychotic symptoms', and 'psychotic disorder'. In informal speech, some people wrongly use it to mean 'extremely crazy' or 'violent', which can sound offensive and inaccurate.
Example Sentences
The doctor said the patient was having psychotic symptoms.
basic
She was taken to the hospital during a psychotic episode.
basic
The report described his behavior as psychotic.
basic
He wasn't being rude on purpose — he was in a psychotic state and needed help.
natural
The article explains how stress can make psychotic symptoms worse in some people.
natural
Please don't call him psychotic just because he acted strangely once.
natural