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Glite Dictionary
anancasm

anancasm

9.9
A repeated set of actions a person does because of a strong, uncontrollable need like washing hands repeatedly
  • noun
  • Archaic
: anancasma
  • The psychiatrist explained that the patient's repetitive hand-washing was an example of anancasm.

Examples

  • Researchers discussed whether anancasm should be revived as a useful diagnostic term in psychiatry.

  • Some people consider anancasm to be a ritual.

  • In historical texts, anancasm is often mentioned in relation to early studies of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

  • He performed an anancasm every morning.

  • The psychiatrist explained that the patient's repetitive hand-washing was an example of anancasm.

  • In historical texts, anancasm is often mentioned in relation to early studies of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

  • Some people consider anancasm to be a ritual performed to alleviate anxiety.

Surface Forms

anancasm singular
anancasms plural

Etymology

Anancasm comes from the Greek root anankē, meaning 'necessity' or 'compulsion', so it originally named a ritual or act someone felt they had to perform. That's why the word was used for the repeated 'must-do' actions seen in obsessive-compulsive behaviour.