Definition

A psychological condition where a person feels that their surroundings are not real or seem strange and unfamiliar.

Example

During the episode, she experienced derealization, making everything around her feel unreal.

Conversation

Have you ever experienced derealization during stressful moments?

Yeah, I had that feeling once when I was really anxious.

It's such a strange sensation, like everything around you isn't real.

Totally! It can be really unsettling, especially in a crowded place.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Derealization → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "real" (from Latin "realis", meaning actual or true) and the suffix "-ization" (meaning the process of). The word describes the process of feeling as if the world around you is not real or is distant from reality.

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'de-' meaning 'away' and 'real' meaning 'true' — derealization is the process of feeling that reality is 'away' or not truly present.

Visually Confused Words