What does hypochondriac mean?
A hypochondriac is a person who is excessively preoccupied with their health, continually fearing illness despite symptoms that may be minor or medically insignificant. The word can be used as a noun or as an adjective describing such behavior: “Her hypochondriac attention to every ache became exhausting.” In everyday use, the term may sound dismissive or derogatory because people with genuine health concerns do not necessarily fit the stereotype it carries. Clinical discussions often use “health anxiety” when describing persistent, distressing concern about having or acquiring a medical condition. The word has an unusual anatomical history. It comes through Latin from Greek terms meaning “under the cartilages,” referring to the upper abdomen, which was historically associated with melancholy and hypochondria. Understanding that history clarifies why the modern word refers both to a physical region and, through a long medical development, to anxiety about illness.
A person who is excessively preoccupied with their health and fears having or developing illness.
"The doctor reassured the hypochondriac that his symptoms did not indicate a serious condition."
Often informal and potentially derogatory; “person with health anxiety” may be preferable in sensitive or clinical contexts.
Characterized by excessive concern about health and the possibility of illness.
"His hypochondriac fears vanished after the doctor explained the test results."
Can sound judgmental when applied to someone whose health concerns are genuine.
The standard plural of the noun; it can retain a derogatory or stereotypical tone in informal use.
"Television comedies often portray hypochondriacs as patients who repeatedly seek reassurance from doctors."
The word began as a piece of anatomy: Greek for “under the cartilages,” a region once believed to be the seat of melancholy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hypochondriac come from?
The word comes from Latin hypochondria, from Greek hypokhondrios, meaning “under the cartilages,” with hypo meaning “under” and khondros meaning “cartilage.” The anatomical term referred to the upper abdomen and became associated with melancholy because that region was believed to be the seat of humoral imbalance. English adopted the medical sense for excessive anxiety about health in the early 17th century; related forms include hypochondrium and hypochondriasis.
Related word forms
How hypochondriac is actually used
As a noun, the term may sound informal or derogatory, especially when used to dismiss someone's genuine health concerns. In clinical discussion, “health anxiety” is often a less stigmatizing description. The adjective can likewise sound judgmental and should be used carefully.
Easily confused with hypochondriac
Hypochondria names persistent excessive concern about health, whereas a hypochondriac is a person characterized by that concern.
The hypochondrium is an anatomical region of the upper abdomen, while a hypochondriac is a person who worries excessively about illness.