psychopathology

noun

psy·​cho·​pa·​thol·​o·​gy ˌsī-kō-pə-ˈthä-lə-jē How to pronounce psychopathology (audio)
-pa-
: the study of psychological and behavioral dysfunction occurring in mental illness or in social disorganization
also : such dysfunction
psychopathological
ˌsī-kō-ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce psychopathology (audio)
adjective
or less commonly psychopathologic
ˌsī-kō-ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-jik How to pronounce psychopathology (audio)
psychopathologically
ˌsī-kō-ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce psychopathology (audio)
adverb
psychopathologist
ˌsī-kō-pə-ˈthä-lə-jist How to pronounce psychopathology (audio)
-pa-
noun

Examples of psychopathology 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.
That’s a picture of depression and psychopathology and mental illness. — Oshan Jarow, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 Where did politics end and psychology—or psychopathology—begin? — Scott Stossel, The Atlantic, 4 Aug. 2023 Detractors argue that a taxonomy designed using superficial commonalities is still a long way from mapping the nature of psychopathology. — Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024 Acknowledging the relationship between past trauma and present pleasure, however, opens up critiques of BDSM as psychopathology. — Literary Hub, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for psychopathology

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychopathology was in 1847

Rhymes for psychopathology

See All Rhymes for psychopathology

Browse Nearby Words

psychopathist
psychopathology
psychopathy
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Cite this Entry

“Psychopathology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychopathology. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

psychopathology

noun
psy·​cho·​pa·​thol·​o·​gy ˌsī-kō-pə-ˈthäl-ə-jē, -pa- How to pronounce psychopathology (audio)
plural psychopathologies
1
: the study of psychological and behavioral dysfunction occurring in mental illness or in social disorganization
2
: disordered psychological and behavioral functioning (as in mental illness)
the theory that holidays are associated with an increased incidence of psychopathology—Science News

More from Merriam-Webster on psychopathology

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about psychopathology

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