pathological

adjective

path·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce pathological (audio)
variants or less commonly pathologic
1
: of or relating to pathology
pathological research
A pathological examination led to the diagnosis.
2
: altered or caused by disease
pathological changes in the body
also : indicative of disease
pathological symptoms
3
: being such to a degree that is extreme, excessive, or markedly abnormal
a pathological liar
pathological fear
pathologically adverb

Examples of pathological in a Sentence

He is a pathological liar. She has a pathological fear of heights. pathological changes in the body
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.
Robby ends up spending the night with Zara, who seems intent on personally screwing with Tory, either out of some Kreese-esque attempt to get under her enemy’s skin or some pathological need to be the prettiest and most popular girl in the room. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024 Nor for that matter is pathological liar, sociopath or malignant narcissist. Richard Behar, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Karyn Kusama brings tenderness to the ultimately pathological relationship between Jennifer and Needy (Seyfried), one that is very recognizable to a lot of girls and women. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024 Over time, as the stakes rise, this aversion to conflict starts to feel pathological. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pathological 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pathologicus "of the study of the passions, of the study of diseases" (borrowed from Greek pathologikós, from patho- patho- + -logikos, from -logia -logy + -ikos -ic entry 1) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pathological was in 1656

Dictionary Entries Near pathological

Cite this Entry

“Pathological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pathological. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pathological

adjective
patho·​log·​i·​cal
ˌpath-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl
variants also pathologic
-ik
1
: of or relating to pathology
2
: changed or caused by disease
3
: being such to a degree that is extreme, excessive, or abnormal
a pathological liar
pathologically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

Medical Definition

pathological

adjective
patho·​log·​i·​cal ˌpath-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce pathological (audio)
variants also pathologic
1
: of or relating to pathology
a pathological laboratory
2
: altered or caused by disease
pathological tissue
also : indicative of disease
pathological lesions
pathologically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on pathological

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!