psychosis

Definition

A severe mental disorder, sometimes with physical damage to the brain, marked by a deranged personality and a distorted view of reality.

Etymology

From psych- + -osis or from Ancient Greek ψύχωσις (psúkhōsis, “animation, principle of life”).

Example Sentences

• "Manganism has been known about since the 19th century, when miners exposed to ores containing manganese[…]began to totter, slur their speech and behave like someone inebriated. The poisoning was irreversible, and soon ended in psychosis and death."