Definition

To describe or treat something as a disease or disorder, often implying that it is abnormal or unhealthy.

Example

Some people tend to pathologize normal behaviors, labeling them as mental health issues.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read an article that said we often pathologize normal behaviors.

That's interesting! Do you think that's true?

Yeah, sometimes it feels like we label everything as a problem.

Absolutely, it can be really unhelpful in understanding ourselves.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pathologize → It is formed from "patho-" (from Greek "pathos", meaning suffering or disease) and "-logize" (from Greek "logizein", meaning to speak or reason). The word means to speak of or interpret something in terms of disease or pathology.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pathos' which relates to suffering or disease, and remember that 'pathologize' means to interpret something as if it were a disease.

Visually Confused Words